'I'm finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel': Ossett teacher rallies others to take on Race for Life 2026
A Wakefield mum who feared she would die when she was told she had cancer is on the road to recovery.
Mum-of-two Olivia Drury is now going ‘all in’ for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life and kicking off publicity for the 2026 campaign.
When the 39-year-old teacher at Holy Trinity Primary School, knocked the side of her breast in December 2024 and it felt hard, she simply thought it was due to being on her period.
Olivia, who is married to Jason and has two children, Elliott, nine, and Ophelia, five, saw the GP and was referred to Pinderfields Hospital for a full set of tests including an examination, two mammograms and an ultrasound.
She was told the breast cancer was HER 2 positive and she had three tumours which had spread into the lymph nodes.
“It was a huge shock and I was fearful I would die.
"My youngest child was only four when I was diagnosed. It was an equally stressful time for my husband Jason."
Olivia reacted badly initially to chemotherapy and had to be admitted to hospital.
However, she stabilised and continued with the four months of chemotherapy and used a cold-cap during chemotherapy in an effort not to lose her hair.
Instead of a lumpectomy as originally planned, Olivia had a mastectomy and reconstruction using fat from her stomach during 12 hours of surgery.
A few days later she ended up back in hospital with an infection, but remained determined to support her friends and pupils from Holy Trinity who were taking part in Race for Life Pretty Muddy at Thornes Park.
She cheered on from the sidelines in a wheelchair while a gang of 35 took part during a heatwave.
Olivia had radiotherapy and is now recovering well with just a few weeks left of injections of a targeted therapy drug.
This year, Olivia will be taking part in Race for Life Pretty Muddy at Thornes Park with a 22-strong team on Saturday, June 13.
Olivia, who now works as a supply teacher, knows exactly how vital it is to raise funds for life-saving research.
Money raised will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease - to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
She said: "It’s been the toughest time going through treatment. Cancer isn’t something people should have to face alone and with the right support, none of us have to.
“My family, friends and work colleagues kept me going throughout and now I feel I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and making a good recovery.
“I’m touched that so many people will be taking part in Race for Life Pretty Muddy again this summer and can’t wait to support them.”
Jane Bullock, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in the North, said: “It’s time for Yorkshire to go all in against cancer, all in to help fund life-saving research.
"Race for Life powers progress and it relies on a whole community of people coming together, united by a common purpose to beat cancer. ”
To sign up, visit raceforlife.org