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

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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

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Swimming & Open Water