Breast Cancer Survivor Urges Essex to Join Swimathon 2026 After Double Mastectomy
Sara Kelly, a 46-year-old mother of two from Ingatestone in Essex, is calling on people across the county to take part in Swimathon 2026. Having survived breast cancer twice, she hopes to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK, Marie Curie, and the Swimathon Foundation. Sara was first diagnosed with grade 3 hormonal breast cancer in 2023 and underwent a mastectomy with reconstruction, believing her treatment journey was over.
Empowered Choice to Go Flat
At her first annual screening, Sara received devastating news: a brand-new primary cancer in her other breast. "By that point, I was completely done with boobs," she said. "I’d been through so much physically and emotionally. I wanted to take back control, and choosing to go flat on both sides was the right decision for me."
Sara opted for a full mastectomy on both sides, describing it as a choice that made her feel strong, empowered, and more like herself again. "I knew what I wanted," she added. "I felt confident and empowered by my choice, and I have no regrets about my decision."
Recovery and Resilience
The early weeks after surgery were challenging, but Sara adjusted quickly and recovered faster than she had after reconstruction. Now, 18 months on, she is still undergoing preventative treatment and managing side effects such as brain fog, joint aches, and hot flushes. However, she refuses to let cancer define her.
"Cancer changed my body, but it didn’t take my spirit," Sara explained. "I have a deeper appreciation for life, for my body, and for the people I love. I still worry sometimes, but I’m learning to live with that and focus on what matters."
Normalizing Living Flat
Determined to turn her experience into something positive, Sara is participating in Swimathon to help normalize going flat as a strong, valid, and positive outcome. "I want to help normalise living flat as a strong, valid, and positive outcome," she said. "I still feel like a woman without breasts, and I don't think anyone really notices I don't have them… Well, maybe just my husband, but I think he's adjusted too."
As a keen swimmer, Sara uses a mastectomy swimsuit in black, which she says has a lovely silhouette, covers any scarring, and includes built-in padding.
Swimathon 2026 Details
This March, Sara is urging Essex residents to join her in Swimathon 2026, the world’s largest annual pool-based fundraising swim. It will take place from March 20 to 22 at pools across the county, including:
- Great Dunmow Leisure Centre
- Blackwater Leisure Centre
- Ongar Leisure Centre
- Wickford Swim and Fitness Centre
- The Brentwood Centre
- Basildon Sporting Village
- Eversley Leisure Centre
- Clements Hall Leisure Centre
- Central Park Leisure Centre
- Grange Paddocks
- Sapphire Ice and Leisure
- Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre
- Southend Leisure & Tennis Centre
- Loughton Leisure Centre
- Lord Butler Leisure Centre
- Impulse Leisure - Blackshots
- Becontree Heath Leisure Centre
- Waltham Abbey Leisure Centre
- Shoeburyness Leisure Centre
- Rainham Leisure Centre
"Taking part in Swimathon is my way of turning something painful into something positive," Sara said. "You don’t have to be the fastest or the fittest - it’s about showing up, having fun and helping save lives. I hope as many people as possible grab their goggles and get involved."
Charity Impact and Participation Options
Swimathon celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Since 1986, more than 750,000 swimmers have taken part across the UK, raising over £55 million for charity. Participants can choose individual distances from 500 meters to a Triple 5k, or team relays of 1.5k, 2.5k, or 5k. Those unable to attend an organized session can participate in MySwimathon and complete their swim anytime from now until March 31.
Support from Charities and Celebrities
Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Essex, Patrick Keely, emphasized the importance of fundraising: "With new technologies opening doors to new discoveries, we’re living in a golden age of cancer research. But around 38,200 people are diagnosed with cancer every year in the East of England, so we must go further and faster. Fundraising events like Swimathon are vital to fuel more progress. Every length swum helps bring us closer to a world where more people live longer, better lives."
Marie Curie’s national events manager, Hannah Grant, added: "This March, people can dive into a fun challenge and raise money for a great cause. There’s only one chance to give someone the best possible end of life. That’s why we’re urging swimmers of all abilities to head to their local pool and help Marie Curie support more families."
A host of famous faces are also backing this year’s event, including Ayo Akinwolere, Dr Ranj, Dermot O’Leary, Tim Lovejoy, Kate Thornton, Alice Dearing, Michael Gunning, Giles Long, Nell McAndrew, Cassandra Patten, Lauren Steadman, and BBC’s Emily Steel (Dynamite).
