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 athletes
• Breast cancer diagnosis at peak fitness, and the shock of knowing immediately what it was
• Staying active through chemotherapy and surgery as a single parent
• Fundraising for Cancer Research UK and becoming the face of a national campaign
• Overcoming a deep-rooted fear of open water
• Nerve damage from surgery and chemo, and learning to reconnect with key swimming muscles
• The role of Pilates in unlocking a better swim stroke
• Swimming as the last sport standing when injury takes everything else away
• What it truly means to thrive, not just survive

Useful Links

Swimming & Open Water

• Shepperton Open Water Swim: sheppertonopenwaterswim.co.uk
• Hampton Pool — where Mei-Ling rediscovered swimming during the pandemic
• Swim Serpentine — open-water event completed during her recovery

Swim with Salim

• SwimLab — Learn to swim with Salim

Cancer Awareness

• Cancer Research UK — the charity Mei-Ling has fundraised for throughout her recovery
• Breast Cancer Now — helpline: 0808 800 6000

Dr Mei-Ling Lancashire

• Follow Mei-Ling on Instagram
• Donate to Dr Mei Ling's Cancer Research UK fundraising page here: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/unite/mei-lings-giving-page

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Produced by The Good Studio - thegoodstudio.co.uk