Sister of Bridport young cancer sufferer takes on half-marathon in aid of thyroid cancer foundation.
A DETERMINED Bridport woman has launched a fundraiser in a bid to raise money and awareness of thyroid cancer following her sister Imogen’s diagnosis at just 20 years old.
Imogen Bull, was fully immersed in her final year at Southampton University as a musical theatre student when she was diagnosed.
After being rocked by the news of her sister’s condition, Jess Bull and mother Rachel Aburrow committed to joining 15,000 other runners taking part in the Bath Half Marathon so they can raise as much money as possible for the British Thyroid Foundation.
A co-worker Jess Peart, says: ‘Last Christmas I noticed Imogen had a large lump in her neck. We encouraged her to see her GP, who referred her for an ultrasound and a biopsy. Sadly, results revealed she had thyroid cancer, and it had spread to her lymph nodes.’
Imogen says her diagnosis came as a massive shock because she had no real symptoms apart from a lump in her throat and, at only 20 years old, there is not a great deal of information about thyroid cancer in someone so young.
Jess, who has two young children, adds: ‘Imogen is having an operation to remove the thyroid, and this will be followed by several weeks of radio therapy. To be honest, I didn’t realise how difficult this journey would be, but as a family we are also getting great support from my colleagues at work, as well as friends and the local community. We are also grateful for the support and information from the British Thyroid Foundation and the Teenage Cancer Trust, which has supported the many appointments Imogen has had to attend.’
The British Thyroid Foundation provides support and information for people with thyroid disorders. It aims to help patients and their families understand thyroid conditions, funds research into thyroid disease, and raises awareness among the public and health professionals.
Anna Woollven, Communications and Fundraising Manager at the British Thyroid Foundation, says: ‘We’re delighted that Jess is taking on the Bath Half Marathon to raise awareness of thyroid cancer following her sister, Immy’s, recent diagnosis. Despite being a rare cancer, the number of cases is going up, especially in younger people. By raising the profile of thyroid cancer, Jess will be highlighting the importance of checking your neck for any new or changing lumps and to visit your GP if concerned.’
Jess says: ‘My husband runs ultra marathons, so I guess I have a trainer on hand to get me ready for the run. It will all be worth it just to raise the funds and awareness, as well as helping us to do something practical to support Imogen’s journey.’
The Bath Half Marathon is on Mother’s Day, 15 March 2026.
If you would like to support Jess’s fundraising, go online at https://www.btf-thyroid.org/fundraisers/imogens-story-
