"Every day is truly a gift to me, and I do everything I can to help other people with cancer facing the same situation" - Sara's experience

2025 marks a significant year for Sara Williamson: it is 10 years since she was diagnosed with breast cancer. In December 2015, the then 46-year-old from Wakefield spotted a change in her breast and raised it with her GP. Following further tests, she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. 

On the 1st December 2015, Sara unfortunately experienced heart failure twice whilst undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment. She was told she would need to stop cancer treatment as her chances of survival after a diagnosis of heart failure were low.  

Sara was determined to defy the odds and better her cardiovascular health so she could restart her cancer treatment.  

“I was determined to do something about my heart so I could get back to being treated for breast cancer. In 2016 and then 2017 I experienced heart failure a second time however I was not going to give up being able to continue with treatment.”

During her treatment. Sara met many women who were experiencing challenges with their cancer treatment. She wanted to do something to help improve communication between healthcare professionals, carers and patients.  

In 2017, Sara began volunteering in the radiotherapy department at St James’s Hospital in Leeds, signposting people with cancer to support groups. It was there she saw a poster for Active Beyond Cancer, a cancer rehabilitation programme funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research in partnership with Leeds Rhinos Foundation which ran free physical activity sessions for people with cancer. Sara instantly signed up to the programme, bringing six of her friends along with her. 

Learnings from the Active Beyond Cancer programme helped shape the pioneering cancer exercise programme Active Together which is now being rolled out to people with cancer across Yorkshire.  Active Together, funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research and designed by researchers at Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, helps people prepare for and recover from cancer treatment.  

The research-backed cancer exercise programme has already supported nearly 2,000 people across Yorkshire and was recently associated with 10% higher one-year survival rates according to findings from Sheffield Hallam University.

Research shows that exercise before, during and after cancer treatment can improve the effectiveness of other treatments, increase chances of long-term survival, and lower the chance of cancer coming back.  

Sara said: “It’s been incredible to hear about the development of Active Together. The programme has expanded to Wakefield and more places across Yorkshire, so even more people with cancer can experience life-changing benefits of exercise.”

Sara also champions research-backed exercise programmes like Active Together for the significant mental health benefits they bring to people after their hospital treatment ends.

She said: “The medical professionals at the hospital are there to treat the cancer. They provide amazing healthcare, but when you finish, it’s like jumping off a plane with no parachute. Life after cancer treatment can be scary.”

“For example, when you go through chemotherapy as a woman, it can often cause an early chemically induced menopause,” Sara added. “Nobody talks about how difficult it is to deal with those physical symptoms, especially when you aren’t prepared for them.” 

Wanting to create a safe space for conversations around cancer, Sara formed “My Breast Cancer Support” group in 2017, an activity-focused community for anyone living with breast cancer in Wakefield and West Yorkshire. Every Sunday, members take part in a big 5k ‘crocodile walk’ at their local park. 

“We call it the crocodile walk because everyone walks a little wonky, but that’s ok. It’s about losing yourself for an hour, forgetting the aches and pains and being at one with nature together. Afterwards, we have a healthy breakfast at our closest community centre and provide a warm, safe space for people to talk about their cancer experience.”

The group also provides restorative Pilates sessions, boxercise classes as well as ‘Super Saturday and Sunday’ wellness days. 

Over the decade she has lived with cancer, Sara has spoken about her experience to thousands of people across Yorkshire, from trainee doctors to other people with cancer.

In 2017, Sara joined the Research Advisory Panel, helping Yorkshire Cancer Research decide which research projects to fund to ensure its work has a real impact on the lives of people in Yorkshire.

“When I was undergoing my own cancer treatment, I was glued to the statistics, and that’s what got me interested in what’s happening in research,” Sara explained. “Being on the Research Advisory Panel really illuminated to me how far we have advanced in diagnosis and treatment since I started living with cancer. I was a panel member for the full term of six years, and it was a phenomenal experience.”

Sara and “My Breast Cancer Support” have also hosted countless fundraisers, raising crucial funds to help bring more cancer cures to people in Yorkshire. They are proud to support Yorkshire Cancer Research initiatives and give back to save more lives.”

“When I visited the new Yorkshire Cancer Research Centre in Harrogate after it first opened in 2023, I remember feeling overcome with emotion because we helped make that happen.” 

In 2024, Sara won a Wakefield District Unsung Hero award for her exceptional work supporting people affected by cancer.

Sara concluded: “Every day is truly a gift to me, and I do everything I can to help others facing the same situation. If you give out, you get back.”

For 100 years, pioneering researchers and committed supporters including Sara have united with Yorkshire Cancer Research to improve treatments and outcomes for people with cancer in Yorkshire, and beyond. By sharing her personal experience, Sara has helped Yorkshire Cancer Research save lives in Yorkshire, and beyond.