Why I'm running for Cancer Research Wales: Mike's Story
Mike Shone from Wrexham is preparing to run the Goldrush Route with RUN.CYB. He’s doing this in memory of his late fiancé, Victoria Davies (nee Picken)
Read his story below and support him on his journey
Victoria Davies (nee Picken) was a devoted mother to two her sons Rhaeadr and Rhain and was engaged to Mike.
As a keen runner, she was a member of the Runstrong running group where she made many friends.
But on 17 March 2017 Victoria’s world changed forever when she was given the devastating news that she had stage 4 primary peritoneal cancer.
"This was a diagnosis which was very hard for her to come to terms with however she met the illness head on. She was always open about her illness and spoke about it with bravery and hope” added Mike.
Chemotherapy and surgery
Victoria went through a range of different surgeries to treat her cancer, knowing that she knew she couldn’t be cured.
"The treatment for the cancer was a mixture of six rounds of chemotherapy and surgery including a full hysterectomy. The treatment she knew would not cure the cancer but would be life-lengthening treatment”, said Mike.
“She loved her boys – Rhaeadr and Rhain more than anything and always put others before herself. Even when diagnosed with cancer she still put others first. She donated her hair to the Little Princess Trust and raised over £2,000 for the charity,” he explained.
Further chemotherapy
Sadly, in January 2021 Victoria had to undergo further chemotherapy treatment as the cancer had started to advance again.
"Once again she underwent six rounds of chemotherapy and was still undergoing treatment when our son Rhain was born through surrogacy.
"Victoria grasped life and lived as much as she could whilst battling cancer. She only ever wanted the best for her family, friends and her loved ones and was at her happiest when she was with 'Her boys'”, explained Mike.
A five-year battle against cancer
Unfortunately, the illness progressed further in early 2022.
“It had progressed so much that there were no more treatment options and she was not strong enough to survive surgery which would have been radical and life altering” said Mike.
Victoria passed away on 15 June 2022 at home surrounded by loved ones after a five-year fight against cancer.
Her family is now dedicated to battling cancer in Victoria’s memory, as Mike explains:
"We as her family want to help the battle against cancer in her name just as she did all she could whilst she was alive."
