North-East Doctor sets her sights on her comeback event

North-East Doctor sets her sights on her comeback event after recovering from Ovarian Cancer

Dr Sarah Russ, a Consultant in Anaesthesia at the University Hospital of North Durham successfully completed her first triathlon event in May 2014.  Finding the triathlon bug, she went on to conquer an Iron Man in July 2019. 

Sarah had high hopes for 2020. The Mallorca Iron Man 70.3 was first on her agenda in May closely followed by an Aquabike event in June, an event which would see her compete for Team GB in her age qualification group. 

COVID put a stall on everybody’s 2020 plans, and with the NHS stretched beyond their limits, Sarah decided to defer places in her chosen evens until late 2021. She had hoped that things would have calmed down a little by that point. 

Sadly, that was not the case for Sarah. She had been experiencing unpleasant menopausal symptoms for over a year so scheduled a visit to her GP. Unfortunately, tests concluded in July 2021 it was likely Sarah had Ovarian Cancer and she was scheduled in for major surgery the following month. 

The strength and determination that has shone through in competitive events over the years has served her well, and, although there is a long road ahead, Sarah is making a miraculous recovery. Starting off slowly, rehab was composed of daily walks come rain or shine with a (borrowed!) dog to keep her company. 

The Northumbrian, an ultra triathlon brought to you by Events of the North happened to pop up on Sarah’s Facebook feed and was the inspiration she needed to set her sights on her comeback event!

A full training schedule kicks off in February and will be slow progress but with her first run, swim and cycle ticked off the list, we have no doubt that Sarah will conquer The Northumbrian! 

To book your place in The Northumbrian click here