When swimming becomes a breast cancer lifeline - with Dr Mei-Ling Lancashire

In Episode 2 of In At The Deep End, Salim is joined by Dr Mei-Ling Lancashire - GP, cancer survivor, single mum and swimmer. At the peak of her fitness, Mei-Ling discovered a breast lump and, as a GP with a background in breast cancer research, knew instantly what it meant. What followed was an aggressive diagnosis, gruelling chemotherapy, a double mastectomy and the challenge of holding everything together for her two young daughters.

Swimming became her lifeline. From a childhood passion, cut short by societal misconceptions, to a primal fear of deep water and, eventually, open-water sessions at Shepperton Lake, her relationship with the water has been anything but simple. And that's exactly what makes her story so powerful.

Key themes in this episode:

• Childhood swimming talent ended by 1980s attitudes towards women athletes
• Breast cancer diagnosis at peak fitness, and the shock of knowing immediately what it was
• Staying active through chemotherapy and surgery as a single parent
• Fundraising for Cancer Research UK and becoming the face of a national campaign
• Overcoming a deep-rooted fear of open water
• Nerve damage from surgery and chemo, and learning to reconnect with key swimming muscles
• The role of Pilates in unlocking a better swim stroke
• Swimming as the last sport standing when injury takes everything else away
• What it truly means to thrive, not just survive

Useful Links

Swimming & Open Water

• Shepperton Lake — open-water venue mentioned in the episode
• Hampton Pool — where Mei-Ling rediscovered swimming during the pandemic
• Swim Serpentine — open-water event completed during her recovery

Swim with Salim

• SwimLab — Learn to swim with Salim

Cancer Awareness

• Cancer Research UK — the charity Mei-Ling has fundraised for throughout her recovery
• Breast Cancer Now — helpline: 0808 800 6000

Dr Mei-Ling Lancashire

• Follow Mei-Ling on Instagram
• Donate to Dr Mei Ling's Cancer Research UK fundraising page here: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/unite/mei-lings-giving-page

Be a part of the show: Here's how to get in touch...

• Email us: [e-mail]
• Use the get in touch form HERE - https://inatthedeepend.transistor.fm/be-a-part-of-the-show
• Send us a voice message HERE- https://www.speakpipe.com/InAtTheDeepEnd

Produced by The Good Studio - thegoodstudio.co.uk

Creators and Guests

Host

Salim Ahmed

Master Swimmer and swim coach with 22+ years experience

Guest

Dr Mei-Ling Lancashire

Swimmer, GP, breast cancer survivor, inspiration!

Producer

Tim Beynon

Podcast Producer and Founder of The Good Studio

What is In At The Deep End?

Inspring journeys from the pool to the everyday. Hosted by Salim Ahmed, a lifelong swimmer and swim coach with over 22 years experience, the show dives into the human stories behind the sport. Not just times and techniques, but the moments when water became an anchor, a lifeline, or a turning point.

Each episode features honest, intimate conversations with everyday swimmers, Olympians, well-known names and unheard voices, all united by the role swimming has played in their lives. These are stories of resilience and reinvention, of grief and joy, of quiet victories and near-impossible comebacks.

From open-water epiphanies to childhood pool memories, In at the Deep End explores how swimming steadies us, challenges us and carries us through life’s waves.

If you love inspiring stories with depth, this is where you dive in.