Celebrating 10 Years Cancer-Free: Kerri Chapman’s Family Fitness Challenge for Cancer Focus

Ten years ago this month, Kerri Chapman was given what she calls "the ultimate gift" - a cancer-free diagnosis after battling thyroid cancer. 

To celebrate that incredible milestone, she’s taking on the 2025 Limavady Fitness Factor alongside her brother Andrew and his partner Jess. The trio are raising vital funds for Cancer Focus, a charity close to their hearts. 

For Kerrie, this isn’t just about fitness; it’s a celebration of life, resilience, and family.

"I still can’t believe it’s been ten years," she shares. "This felt like the perfect way to mark such a huge milestone, and to do it with Andrew and Jess by my side makes it even more special."

A Life-Changing Diagnosis

Kerri’s cancer journey started unexpectedly. "I had no symptoms at all," she recalls. "It was my dentist who first noticed a lump near my jaw. 

“I went and had it seen by ENT and that turned out to be a benign tumour which they removed and it was just by chance the nurse decided to scan my neck which she didn't need to, that they discovered my thyroid was enlarged.

“I was called back for a biopsy which came back inconclusive so they removed half the thyroid at that point and it came back as Stage 2 cancer.”

Kerri had three major surgeries in the space of a month - eventually getting out of hospital on Christmas Eve.

“It was the best Christmas present anyone could give me," added Kerri, a teacher in Sandleford School, Coleraine.  “I then discovered in January that no further treatment was needed.”

Although it wasn’t an easy road, the diligence of that nurse who decided to scan Kerri meant the cancer was caught early.

"If that nurse hadn’t gone above and beyond to scan my thyroid, it could’ve been a very different story," she says. "I was stage two when they caught it, but without symptoms, it might’ve progressed without me knowing."

Now, with a clean bill of health for a decade, Kerri credits the experience with changing her outlook. "It puts life into perspective," she says. "It makes me so thankful for everyone I have in my life. Even when times are tough, I always think about how blessed I am to still be here."

A Family United 

Kerri isn’t the only one in her family who has faced cancer. Her mother Margaret battled and beat skin cancer just a few years ago, a reality that brought their close-knit family even closer.

"We’ve always been a tight family," Kerri shares. "When my mum was going through her treatment, we leaned on each other. And when I was diagnosed, they were my rock. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them."

That bond is what makes this year’s Fitness Factor even more meaningful. Kerri is taking on the challenge alongside her brother Andrew and his partner Jess. 

"We’ve always done things together as a family hiking, adventures, everything - we walked the Great Wall of China and went to Ghana together. This felt like the right way to celebrate my ten years and give back to a cause that’s so close to us."

The Challenge Ahead

The Limavady Fitness Factor is a six-week programme run by CrossFit Limavady to raise funds for Cancer Focus. Participants attend three classes per week, focusing on fitness and personal growth, while also fundraising for the charity.

"It’s about pushing yourself," Kerri says. "There’s a points system, and you’re weighed and measured weekly. But it’s not just about physical fitness - it’s about the community and raising as much money as possible. Emma McCann and Micky Walsh have done an amazing job over the last 10 years. They’ve already raised over £87,000 to date, and this year we want to push it past £100,000."

For Kerri, the challenge is about more than the workouts or fundraising totals. 

"As a mum, I’ve spent the last few years focused on building a home and raising my daughter. This year, I want to prioritise self-care. 

“Cancer taught me how important it is to look after yourself, and that’s what 2025 is all about for me - celebrating life and taking care of my health."

She hopes that by sharing her story, she can inspire others to focus on their health too. 

"Cancer affects so many families. If sharing my journey encourages even one person to go for that check-up or support a cause like Cancer Focus, then it’s all worth it."

How to Help

Kerri and her family are inviting everyone to join them in supporting Cancer Focus by donating to their JustGiving page. 

"Every little bit helps," Kerri says. "Whether it’s a donation, sharing the link, or even just cheering us on, it makes such a difference."

You can support their efforts by donating here: www.justgiving.com/page/kerri-chapman-1736188604553