MUM who beat breast cancer twice and says she’s ‘done with boobs’ urges Essex to dive in for Swimathon 2026

A keen swimmer  who has survived breast cancer twice is calling on people across Essex to take the plunge for Swimathon 2026 after choosing to have a double mastectomy and to  going ‘flat’, saying she is “completely done with boobs” and determined to turn her experience into something positive.

Sara Kelly (46), from Ingatestone in Essex, is calling on people across the county to take the plunge for Swimathon 2026 and help raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK, Marie Curie and the Swimathon Foundation.

The mother of two was first diagnosed with grade 3 hormonal breast cancer in 2023. After choosing a mastectomy and reconstruction, she hoped her treatment journey was behind her. But at her first annual screening, she received a second devastating blow – a brand‑new primary cancer in her other breast.

“By that point, I was completely done with boobs,” she said. “I’d been through so much physically and emotionally. I wanted to take back control, and choosing to go flat on both sides was the right decision for me. It made me feel strong, empowered and more like myself again.”

Sara opted for a full mastectomy and going flat on both sides. “I knew what I wanted,” she added.. “I felt confident and empowered by my choice and I have no regrets about my decision. Looking at my body in those first few weeks was hard, but I adjusted quickly. I’m forever changed by my experience, with a much greater appreciation for my body.”

Sara says the early weeks after surgery were challenging, but she adjusted quickly and recovered faster than she had after reconstruction. Now 18 months on, she is still undergoing preventative treatment and managing side effects such as brain fog, joint aches and hot flushes  -but she refuses to let cancer define her.

“Cancer changed my body, but it didn’t take my spirit,” she added. “I have a deeper appreciation for life, for my body, and for the people I love. I still worry sometimes, but I’m learning to live with that and focus on what matters. I want to help normalise living flat as a strong, valid, and positive outcome. I still feel like a woman without breasts, and I don’t think anyone really notices I don’t have them … Well, maybe just my husband, but I think he’s adjusted too.”

Determined to give back, Sara is taking part in Swimathon and  hopes her story will help normalise going flat as “a strong, valid and positive outcome.” She continued: “I’m a keen swimmer, so I also have the mastectomy swimsuit in black – the silhouette is lovely and covers any scarring, with a little bit of built-in padding too.”

This March, she’s urging Essex residents to join her in making a splash for Swimathon 2026 – the world’s largest annual pool‑based fundraising swim, taking place from 20–22 March at pools across the county, including Great Dunmow Leisure Centre, Blackwater Leisure Centre, Ongar leisure Centre, Wickford swim & Fitness centre, The Brentwood Centre, Basildon Sporting Village, Eversley Leisure centre, Clements Hall Leisure Centre, Central Park Leisure Centre, Grange Paddocks, Sapphire Ice and Leisure, Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre, Southend Leisure & Tennis Centre, Loughton Leisure Centre, Lord Butler Leisure Centre, Impulse Leisure – Blackshots, Becontree Heath Leisure Centre, Waltham Abbey Leisure Centre, Shoeburyness Leisure Centre, Rainham Leisure Centre.

“Taking part in Swimathon is my way of turning something painful into something positive,” she said. “You don’t have to be the fastest or the fittest – it’s about showing up, having fun and helping save lives. I hope as many people as possible grab their goggles and get involved.”

Swimathon celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Since 1986, more than 750,000 swimmers have taken part across the UK, raising over £55 million for charity. Participants can choose individual distances from 500m to a Triple 5k, or team relays of 1.5k, 2.5k or 5k. Those unable to attend an organised session can take part in MySwimathon and complete their swim anytime between 1–31 March.

Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Essex, Patrick Keely, said:
“With new technologies opening doors to new discoveries, we’re living in a golden age of cancer research. But around 38,200 people are diagnosed with cancer every year in the East of England, so we must go further and faster. Fundraising events like Swimathon are vital to fuel more progress. Every length swum helps bring us closer to a world where more people live longer, better lives.”

Marie Curie’s National Events Manager, Hannah Grant, added:
“This March, people can dive into a fun challenge and raise money for a great cause. There’s only one chance to give someone the best possible end of life. That’s why we’re urging swimmers of all abilities to head to their local pool and help Marie Curie support more families.”

A host of famous faces — including Ayo Akinwolere, Dr Ranj, Dermot O’Leary, Tim Lovejoy, Kate Thornton, Alice Dearing, Michael Gunning, Giles Long, Nell McAndrew, Cassandra Patten, Lauren Steadman and BBC’s Emily Steel (Dynamite) — are also backing this year’s event.

Sign up now at swimathon.org