Gilly Jenner never imagined she would run a half marathon at the age of 67.
Yet on 11th October, the Ventnor resident will line up at the start of the Royal Parks half marathon in London, covering 21 kilometres in aid of Ovarian Cancer Action.
An unexpected diagnosis
In early 2025, an ambulance crew took Gilly to A&E in severe pain. She had experienced no prior symptoms.
Weeks later, doctors diagnosed her with stage 4 ovarian cancer.
Gilly underwent cutting-edge treatment and surgery at Southampton Hospital, with a dedicated nursing team on the Isle of Wight supporting her care closer to home.
Running as part of recovery
Over the past year, running became central to how Gilly approached her treatment and what came after it. She said,
“Running over the past year has boosted my mental wellbeing and helped me to make the most of the treatment I received.”
She adds that she looks forward to “rising to the challenge of a half marathon.”
Raising funds and offering hope
Ovarian cancer ranks as the sixth most common cancer in women, yet it draws relatively limited public attention.
The funds Gilly raises will go directly to Ovarian Cancer Action to support critical research into tackling the disease. Explaining what drives her to take on the challenge, she said,
“I want to offer hope and support for others on the same journey.”
How to support Gilly
Gilly said,
“I never imagined that I would be running a half marathon at the age of 67, but come 11th October this year, that will be me.”
Those wishing to back her can donate via her fundraising page for Ovarian Cancer Action.
