Wakefield mum rallies Yorkshire to go all in against cancer at Race for Life

Mum-of-two Olivia Drury is now going  ‘all in’  for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life and kicking off publicity for the 2026 campaign.

When the 39-year-old primary school teacher knocked the side of her breast in December 2024 and it felt hard, she simply thought it was due to being on her period.

Olivia, from Ossett, saw the GP and was referred to Pinderfields Hospital for a full set of tests including an examination, two mammograms and an ultrasound.

When a nurse asked if she’d brought anyone with her, Olivia feared the worst. She was told the breast cancer was HER 2 positive and she had three tumours which had spread into the lymph nodes.

When Olivia was told she would need chemotherapy, a lumpectomy and radiotherapy, she immediately asked the oncologist if she would die.

Olivia reacted badly initially to chemotherapy and had to be admitted to hospital as she was so poorly with doctors thinking she might have meningitis. However, Olivia stabilised and continued with the four months of chemotherapy. She used a cold-cap during chemotherapy in an effort not to lose her hair.

Instead of a lumpectomy as originally planned, Olivia had a mastectomy and reconstruction using fat from her stomach during 12 hours of surgery.

A few days later she ended up back in hospital with an infection, but remained determined to support her friends and pupils from Holy Trinity Primary School, who were taking part in Race for Life Pretty Muddy at Wakefield’s Thornes Park. She cheered on from the sidelines in a wheelchair while a gang of 35 took part during a heatwave.

Olivia had radiotherapy and is now recovering well with just a few weeks left of injections of a targeted therapy drug.

This year, Olivia will be taking part in Race for Life Pretty Muddy – the mud splattered obstacle course, at Thornes Park with a 22-strong team on Saturday June 13.

In Yorkshire, Race for Life events will be held at:

York – May 3, Pretty Muddy Kids and Pretty Muddy adults, 3k, 5k and 10k events

Bradford – May 16, 5k and 10k events

Sheffield – June 6, Pretty Muddy Kids and Pretty Muddy adults

June 7, 3k, 5k and 10k events

Wakefield – June 13, Pretty Muddy Kids and Pretty Muddy adults, 3k, 5k and 10k events

Doncaster – June 14, 3k, 5k and 10k events

Huddersfield – June 21, 3k and 5k events

Harrogate – July 5, 3k, 5k and 10k events

Leeds – July 11, Pretty Muddy Kids and Pretty Muddy adults

July 12, 3k, 5k and 10k events

Every year, around 34,100 people are diagnosed with cancer in Yorkshire. Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life raises millions for life-saving research every year.

Olivia, who now works as a supply teacher, knows exactly how vital it is to raise funds for life-saving research. Money raised will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease - to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.

Olivia is married to Jason and has children, Elliott, nine, and Ophelia, five.

She said: “I’m all in against cancer. It’s been the toughest time going through treatment. Cancer isn’t something people should have to face alone and with the right support, none of us have to.

“It was a huge shock when I was I was told I had breast cancer and I was fearful I would die. My youngest child was only four when I was diagnosed. It was an equally stressful time for my husband Jason and he threw himself into running to cope.

“My family, friends and work colleagues kept me going throughout and now I feel I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and making a good recovery.

“I’m touched that so many people will be taking part in Race for Life Pretty Muddy again this summer and can’t wait to support them.”

Jane Bullock, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in the North, said: “It’s time for Yorkshire to go all in against cancer, all in to help fund life-saving research.

“Whether you’re a five-a-side crew, book club, dance troupe, yoga club, fancy doing something fun with your friends - or on your own- we want everyone to join us.

“Sadly nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime but all of us can support the research that will beat it.

"Race for Life powers progress and it relies on a whole community of people coming together, united by a common purpose to beat cancer.

"For those who do enjoy a challenge, our 10k events will again be chip timed, perfect for anyone wanting to track their progress or aim for a personal best.

"But Race for Life is non-competitive. People can walk, jog or run and go at their own pace. What matters most is showing up together. There is a race for everyone and we mean everyone.”

Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, funding 30 years of hope and progress.

Over the past 50 years, Cancer Research UK funded scientists have helped to nearly double breast cancer survival in the UK. The charity also helped prove the link between tobacco and cancer, preventing millions of deaths worldwide.

To sign up, visit raceforlife.org