A retired breast cancer surgeon and cancer survivor took on a charity fire walk in Chalfont St Peter in memory of her mother.
Dr Liz O’Riordan was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and then again in 2018 and 2023. She is known for using her experience on “both sides of the table” and openly discussing her personal experiences of the illness in a bid to increase awareness. With more than 150,000 followers across her social media channels, Liz describes herself as something of a breast cancer ‘influencer’. She uses her podcast, So Now I’ve got Breast Cancer, and her memoir, Under the Knife, to help support those navigating a diagnosis.
Back in June 2022, Liz’s mum, Isobel, was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer at age 74.
Speaking to CHALFONTS&GERRARDSCROSSnews, Liz said: “I felt guilty for not realising my mum had cancer. I thought to myself ‘it should have been me, not her’. It was really hard to see her go through it.”
Isobel had to undergo an arm amputation but remained “bright and cheery”, taking to social media as the One Armed Bandit to spread positivity.
Isobel also set up a legacy research fund to raise money for Bone Cancer Research Trust. Sadly, Isobel passed away in December 2022.
Liz has carried on her mum’s work and was asked earlier this year to be the first official patron for the charity. For her first fundraising feat as patron, Liz said she wanted to do something “crazy”.
She said: “I’m menopausal and have hot flushes, so why not challenge myself to do a fire walk? I was a bit nervous but, when you’ve had cancer, life’s too short not to do something amazing and crazy!”
Liz braved the fire walk, walking across hot coals at Chalfont St Peter Cricket Club, on April 6, and raised nearly £800. To donate, visit www.t.ly/cH8by
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