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'You Can Live Well With A Terminal Illness', Says Freshwater Woman Swimming Solent

Wendy Wheeler

A woman from Freshwater is using this year's West Wight Solent Swim to spread her message that 'you can live well with a terminal illness'.

48-year-old Wendy Wheeler will be one of 30 swimmers crossing from Hurst Castle to Colwell Bay on Saturday, to raise money for West Wight Sports and Community Centre.

Wendy has secondary cancer in her bones, also known as metastatic cancer. She had surgery for breast cancer in 2015.

She said:

“In 2017 my legs became painful, to the point I could barely walk. The cancer had spread to my pelvis. Although it is incurable, I have had treatment which has stabilised me.

“Two years ago I was wheel-chair bound and could only walk a short way with a stick. Swimming in the sea and at WWSCC is the only exercise I have been able to keep up, as it is non-weight bearing. Previously I was very active and found it very frustrating not to be active. 

“I feel strong enough now to do the Solent Swim. I am doing it for myself, to prove I can still do some things, but mostly to show, you can still live well with a terminal illness. You have to do the best you can with what you have.”

Swimming has always been a "lifeline" to Wendy and she swims in the sea every day to keep herself well, mentally and physically.

She said:

“It would be devastating to lose WWSCC, for lots of people and lots of reasons. I am very keen to raise funds to keep it up and running. So many people benefit from the centre.”

Isle of Wight Radio will also be taking part in the event, which you can find out more about here.

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