Ex-patient Runs Half-marathon After Beating Cancer, Seizures and Cardiac Arrests

Published on: 5 Jul, 2019
Updated on: 8 Jul, 2019

Royal Surrey County Hospital

A former patient who survived her heart stopping four times in three hours has completed her first half-marathon, thanks to the care of her dedicated team, she says.

Rebecca Langley was just 30 when she was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer and had her colon and four tumours removed, leaving her with a permanent stoma.

When Rebecca started chemotherapy, she reacted badly, suffering two seizures in 24 hours, then four cardiac arrests.

She spent five days in Intensive Care at Royal Surrey County Hospital, moving to the High Dependency Unit and finally a ward.

Rebecca said: “I am fully aware that I would not be here if it weren’t for the amazing work of the Intensive Care Unit. My overriding memory is of the outstanding care I received. Every little detail of my care was thought about, things that you wouldn’t consider until you are in that position.

“The nurses stay with the patients 24 hours a day, on a one-to-one basis, but also take account of the family’s needs, which is so important.

“When I was in Intensive Care I dreamt of being able to jog or walk 5km within a year. I was in so much pain and so weak I thought that was adventurous. If somebody had told me then I would have been strong enough to be training for a 13.1- mile run a year later, I definitely would not have believed them.”

After hospital, Rebecca used sport to aid her recovery, which she found gave her a physical and mental boost. After gradually building her endurance by joining various local runs and her first triathlon, just less than a year after her surgery, Rebecca completed the New Forest Half-Marathon in two and a half hours, 16 months after her ICU stay, in aid of the Royal Surrey County Hospital Charity.

Rebecca added: “Despite being completely and utterly exhausted, I was over the moon to have finished my half marathon.

“I feel that by fundraising for the Royal Surrey charity, I can do a little something to say ‘thank you’ and help them continue their life-saving work.”

Rebecca also praised the vital role of the Unit’s Clinical Psychology service.

Dr Justin Kirk-Bayley, consultant intensivist & anaesthetist, said:“Working at the very edge of life in Intensive Care is challenging for patients, families and staff alike.

“What keeps everyone going is the knowledge that after such life-changing events there is hope that patients won’t just exist, but truly live.

“What Rebecca has done after what happened to her is truly remarkable. Few people have a tale such as hers to tell, and even fewer have been able to go on and achieve what she has in such a short time afterwards.

“We shall be watching her achievements as she truly goes from strength to strength. Her success pushes us on further too.”

Rebecca has already raised more than £1,000 and her Virgin Money Giving page can be found under the tag ‘Resus 2 Runner and is still open for business. Funds raised go to the Royal Surre to support the Intensive Care Unit.

Rebecca has now been in remission for two years and has more fundraising events planned this year.