Brittany Mumford, a 34-year-old mother from Littleborough, Greater Manchester, who survived Hodgkin lymphoma, is preparing to abseil 400 feet down the National Lift Tower in Northampton on September 19 to raise funds for Lymphoma Action. The charity supports people affected by lymphoma, a type of blood cancer.
Mumford was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma six years ago, shortly after giving birth to her second child. She noticed a small lump on her collarbone, which she initially dismissed as a normal postpartum change. Her early symptoms, including night sweats, weight loss and tiredness, she attributed to the physical demands of having a new baby.
After her diagnosis, Mumford received support from Lymphoma Action, which helped her navigate recovery and connect with other survivors. She is now taking on the abseil challenge to raise awareness of the subtle signs of lymphoma and to fund the charity's work.
A sudden diagnosis after childbirth
Reflecting on her experience, Mumford said: “I didn't even know what lymphoma was before my diagnosis. When people think of cancer, they don't often picture a healthy 27-year-old mum with an eight-week-old baby in her arms – me included.”
She recalled sitting in the hospital during tests while feeding her baby, thinking, “They're making a big mistake here – I'm fine!” Then the words “you have cancer” brought a harsh end to her naivety.
Mumford emphasised that lymphoma symptoms can be subtle. “Cancer doesn't discriminate, and it doesn't always come with flashing lights and warning signs. Lymphoma is one of the most common cancers affecting young adults, but its symptoms can be incredibly subtle,” she said. “Mine weren't dramatic or alarming – just a lump in my collarbone and what I assumed were normal postpartum hormonal changes.”
Support from Lymphoma Action
Mumford praised the support she received from Lymphoma Action. “Through Lymphoma Action, I found the support I really needed. They helped me understand what I was going through and connected me with others who understood – people who knew the fear of waiting for scan results, the grief of losing your old life, the uncertainty of not knowing what comes next, and the hope of life after treatment,” she said.
“No one should have to navigate cancer feeling alone, and that's exactly why Lymphoma Action exists. They provide trusted information, practical support and a community for people whose lives have been turned upside down by lymphoma, including after treatment ends, when life never feels quite the same again.”
Mumford described how cancer changed her perspective. “Cancer has a way of changing your perspective forever. It taught me that life is precious, that tomorrow is never guaranteed and that the scary things are worth doing,” she said.
Taking on the 'Don't Look Down' challenge
Mumford will take part in Lymphoma Action's “Don't Look Down” abseil event. “So, to celebrate my life and make my time here count, I'm taking on Don't Look Down, so Lymphoma Action can continue supporting people and families facing lymphoma when they need it most,” she said. Her husband and three boys, along with other family members, will be there to cheer her on.
Laura Thompson, challenge events fundraiser at Lymphoma Action, expressed gratitude for Mumford's support. “We are so grateful to Brittany and her family for their support. Our daredevil challenge would make Spiderman think twice, but every step taken down the tower by our brave abseil team will help us make sure no one faces lymphoma alone,” she said.
Thompson added: “Every year, more than 18,000 people in the UK are told they have lymphoma. Thanks to the support of amazing people like Brittany, we can make sure people can navigate a lymphoma diagnosis with the information, support and community they need, right from day one.”
The abseil will take place at the National Lift Tower in Northampton on September 19. Those wishing to support Mumford's fundraising campaign or get involved with the charity challenge can visit her JustGiving page or the Lymphoma Action website.
