Christiana Balogun marked a powerful milestone in her journey to her England debut by having the date 4 November 2022 printed on her boots the day she completed her final round of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma.
The England back-row forward made her international debut in the Women’s Six Nations against Italy, with the date symbolising her recovery and the moment she was declared cancer-free. She also added the words “cancer free” beneath it as a personal reminder of her battle and triumph.
Balogun was diagnosed in 2022 after discovering a lump in her neck shortly after joining Bristol Bears from Wasps. At just 24, her career was abruptly interrupted as she began intensive treatment only days after receiving her diagnosis.
She admitted the process moved so quickly she had little time to process what was happening, recalling how she initially even packed her rugby kit to hospital, believing she might still be able to train.
Looking back, Balogun described her mindset at the time as being deeply focused on rugby, even as she came to terms with a life-changing diagnosis. Her story has since become a powerful example of resilience and determination in sport.
