A Norwich runner is using his coveted London Marathon place to support the hospital department where his wife was treated.

Kate Mahoney, from Stoke Holy Cross, was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2018 and was treated at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Now, husband Peter will run the London Marathon on Sunday April 26, raising money for the hospital charity’s Boudicca Breast Cancer Appeal.

The appeal aims to raise £800,000 to create a unit where patients can have the necessary images taken, undergo a biopsy and see their consultant in one appointment.

The wait can be extremely distressing for patients and is something which Kate knows only too well after she was required to return to the hospital for tests.

She said: “I was referred quite quickly and was seen by a Doctor, but then had a further two week wait before returning to have the ultrasound and mammogram at which time I received my diagnosis.

“It’s almost better once you’ve got a diagnosis in place and you know what you are dealing with and you have a plan.

“My Consultant Surgeon Mr Youssef, Breast Care Nurse Jo and the rest of the Breast care team were outstanding – I can’t fault the team there, but having a one-stop clinic in place will make such a difference.”

After gaining his marathon place through his club, City of Norwich Athletics Club (CONAC), Peter decided to take the opportunity to raise money for the appeal and thank the staff who treated Kate.

Peter said: “I’ve wanted to do a marathon for ages and when I got the place it seemed an obvious choice to raise money for this appeal.

“I am up to the 20-mile mark in training and hope to achieve for 3:30 on the day.”

More than £350,000 has been raised so far for the Boudicca Appeal and a stereotactic mammography machine to carry out biopsies has been purchased, which is already helping to improve patient care.

The machine is the latest technological advance and enables the breast team to see more patients a lot more quickly. It also makes biopsies more tolerable for women.

The next phase will be to create a third ultrasound room in the breast screening department and improve the reception and waiting areas, and develop dedicated counselling rooms for patients facing a cancer diagnosis.

If you would like to support Peter and the Boudicca Appeal, please visit his page at www.justgiving.com/PeterJMahoney

For more information about the appeal go to ww.nnuh.org.uk or email fundraising@nnuh.nhs.uk