A Lincolnshire mother of two has shared her inspiring journey of coping with aggressive cancer through exercise. Lisa Lear, who lives at RAF Waddington, was diagnosed with stage three ductal carcinoma breast cancer in July 2024, at the age of 37. In an interview with Lincolnshire Live, she recounted how she was fortunate to discover a lump early, which led to her diagnosis.
Lisa faced a challenging treatment plan that included six rounds of chemotherapy to shrink the tumour, followed by lumpectomy surgery, radiotherapy, and potentially more treatment. Despite the difficulties, she described the chemotherapy as 'tough but manageable,' crediting her family and the Fighting Fit team for their unwavering support. The Fighting Fit programme, run by the Lincoln City Foundation, offers low-impact fitness sessions designed for individuals with or recovering from cancer.
Exercise became Lisa's 'coping mechanism' during her treatment. 'I did what I could when I could,' she said, reflecting on her determination to maintain her health as a mother of two boys. As a teaching assistant at a primary school, she wanted to stay active and engaged in her daily life.
After surgery in January 2025, Lisa underwent an additional 12 rounds of targeted chemotherapy as a precaution, along with two weeks of radiotherapy over nine months. She also required regular MRIs for her heart, which was affected by the treatment. 'I had to be careful, but none of it really stopped me from trying to carry on with my daily activities and enjoyments,' she shared, noting that her hair began to grow back as well.
By November 2025, Lisa completed her final round of treatment, and in January 2026, her first annual mammogram came back clear, showing no signs of cancer. 'At present, I’m fit and healthy and cancer-free, which I am eternally grateful for,' she expressed.
Lisa first learned about the Fighting Fit sessions during her second round of chemotherapy at Lincoln Hospital, where a staff member was distributing leaflets. Intrigued by the idea of maintaining her fitness throughout treatment, she attended her first session feeling a bit apprehensive but was quickly embraced by the community.
'For once, I felt 'normal' among others experiencing similar challenges,' she recalled. The support network she found at Fighting Fit became a crucial part of her recovery. 'I had people around me who understood, who listened and advised, who enjoyed exercise like me. I came away smiling every single time I went.'
Lisa described the programme as 'truly life-changing,' helping to boost her confidence and reassure her that she would be okay. Her story serves as a testament to the power of community and the importance of staying active, even in the face of adversity.
As Lisa continues her journey, she encourages others to seek support and find joy in movement, proving that resilience can come in many forms.