When swimming becomes a breast cancer lifeline - with Dr Mei-Ling Lancashire

In Episode 2 of In At The Deep End, Salim is joined by Dr Mei-Ling Lancashire - GP, cancer survivor, single mum and swimmer. At the peak of her fitness, Mei-Ling discovered a breast lump and, as a GP with a background in breast cancer research, knew instantly what it meant. What followed was an aggressive diagnosis, gruelling chemotherapy, a double mastectomy and the challenge of holding everything together for her two young daughters.Swimming became her lifeline. From a childhood passion, cut short by societal misconceptions, to a primal fear of deep water and, eventually, open-water sessions at Shepperton Lake, her relationship with the water has been anything but simple. And that's exactly what makes her story so powerful.Key themes in this episode:Childhood swimming talent ended by 1980s attitudes towards women athletesBreast cancer diagnosis at peak fitness, and the shock of knowing immediately what it wasStaying active through chemotherapy and surgery as a single parentFundraising for Cancer Research UK and becoming the face of a national campaignOvercoming a deep-rooted fear of open waterNerve damage from surgery and chemo, and learning to reconnect with key swimming musclesThe role of Pilates in unlocking a better swim strokeSwimming as the last sport standing when injury takes everything else awayWhat it truly means to thrive, not just surviveUseful LinksSwimming & Open WaterShepperton Open Water Swim: sheppertonopenwaterswim.co.ukHampton Pool — where Mei-Ling rediscovered swimming during the pandemicSwim Serpentine — open-water event completed during her recoverySwim with SalimSwimLab — Learn to swim with SalimCancer AwarenessCancer Research UK — the charity Mei-Ling has fundraised for throughout her recoveryBreast Cancer Now — helpline: 0808 800 6000Dr Mei-Ling LancashireFollow Mei-Ling on InstagramDonate to Dr Mei Ling's Cancer Research UK fundraising page here: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/unite/mei-lings-giving-pageBe a part of the show: Here's how to get in touch...Email us: [email protected] the get in touch form HERE - https://inatthedeepend.transistor.fm/be-a-part-of-the-showSend us a voice message HERE- https://www.speakpipe.com/InAtTheDeepEndProduced by The Good Studio - thegoodstudio.co.uk