EP18: From Tumour to Tundra: The Survival Story of Heather Hawkins

The Cowbell Podcast - Extraordinary Everyday

Kelvin Yip, Dave Stewart

July 23, 20251 hr 12 min
Running

EP18: From Tumour to Tundra: The Survival Story of Heather Hawkins

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Episode Notes

After a life-altering ovarian cancer diagnosis at 41, Heather Hawkins laced up a pair of Dunlop Volleys and never looked back. From that first 4km fun run to conquering 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days — including the North Pole — Heather has turned adversity into adventure, purpose, and strength. In this deeply inspiring episode of The Cowbell, Heather shares how running not only became her recovery but her reason to keep pushing limits, raising awareness for ovarian cancer, and seeking out remote and rugged experiences — from the icy Arctic to the sun-scorched sands of the Marathon des Sables.

Now 60, an age-group record holder on the track, author, mother, and adventurer, Heather proves it’s never too late to redefine what’s possible. Her story is a testament to the extraordinary that lies within us all — if only we’re brave enough to take the first step.

Instagram :

@_heather_hawkins

Facebook :

Heather Hawkins

LinkedIn :

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-hawkins-280b53149/

Adventurous Spirit Book : https://www.booktopia.com.au/search?keywords=heather+hawkins+adventurous+spirit&productType=917505&pn=1

Audible :

https://www.audible.com.au/pd/Adventurous-Spirit-Audiobook/B074XF4TG1

Ovarian Cancer fundraising :

https://fundraising.ovariancancer.net.au/heather-hawkins

Marathon des Sables documentary :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZPCHIW6Voc

The Cowbell Podcast episode is brought to you by Kelvin Yip from "⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Endu1 - Endurance Fuel & Hydration⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠" ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@endu1sportsnutrition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Dave Stewart ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@_daventures_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, the legendary trail race MC.