Cancer survivor completes extreme French Alps race

Fran Bullock said after being diagnosed with stage three breast cancer, fitness helped her physically and mentally

A woman from Devon who was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer at the age of 39 has completed a gruelling 10k obstacle course in the French Alps.

Fran Bullock, 43, from Exeter, is hoping her experience of getting physically fit after cancer treatment can inspire others.

The personal trainer underwent a series of treatments for stage three breast cancer which she said left her feeling "lost and broken".

She said: "I discovered that the aftermath of the treatment was actually almost harder than the treatment itself."

'Bright future'

Ms Bullock added: "I had this feeling of being totally lost and broken and a shell of my former self."

However, she said she found that fitness helped her physically and mentally.

She began to compete in races and has turned her experience into a mission to help others.

Now a certified cancer exercise specialist, she helps support people facing similar journeys.

"They have a bright future ahead," she said.

"If you said to me three years ago, you'll be working in this arena, you will be helping other people, you will be running races, I would have cried because it was so far away and that's what I want people to understand.

"I don't want it to seem unrealistic."

Fran Bullock said competing in races helped her feel to feel "strong again"

Ms Bullock said she underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

"The closer you come to facing your own death, the more you want to really live and make the most of every moment as much as you can," she said.

"It's not what everyone wants to hear but cancer can be such a wake-up call.

"I believe your body is saying 'ok, something has to change'."

Ms Bullock said cancer could be "a wake-up call"

In a bid to make the most of her life Ms Bullock took part in the Valmorel Winter Spartan 10km sprint in France on 25 January where she battled icy terrain and numerous obstacles.

" We climbed up to 1800m in altitude and you have obstacles along the way," she said.

"There are 25 obstacles.

"A lot of people can't even do these obstacles and if you can't, you must do a penalty - whether that's 30 burpees or carrying a big fat metal chain around your neck - so something equally challenging.

"I love the atmosphere, the vibe and the mix of physical and mental fitness that Spartan races demand.

"They've helped me feel strong again, even after hitting rock bottom."

A Spartan race director added: "Fran's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and we're so proud to have her in the Spartan community."