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A brave survivor
Mother-of-two Maureen Doran will be celebrating her own survival when she takes part in the Cancer Research UK Race for life in Blackpool next month.
Maureen, 53, of Inner Promenade, Fairhaven, had just completed treatment for breast cancer, diagnosed in late 2007and now with her hair grown back, she is feeling and looking better than ever.
Maureen, an IT programme director working in Telford, said the Race for Life means a lot to her.
"My dad died of throat cancer in 1995, and then I lost my mum to cancer of the oesophagus in 2003.
"I decided after that to try and give something back and so decided to participate in Race for Life in 2004 with a group of colleagues from EDS. This was primarily in memory of my mum but also for everyone suffering from the disease. It was great fun, terrific camaraderie and all for a good cause.
"It was a real blow therefore when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007.
"Once I got over the initial shock and started chemotherapy, I made up my mind to take part in the Race for Life 2008 as an incentive to stay strong and positive and to help focus me on getting through the treatment. This time I was participating for ME!
"Once I registered, then I told friends old and new what I planned to do and they were all very supportive even if they secretly thought I was mad.
"My husband, Frank, and sons kept me positive.
" Ex-colleagues from EDS, friends and current colleagues started to sponsor me. I'd initially set my goal at raising 250 but soon had to increase this to 500 then 750.
"It was magnificent to see the sponsorship growing and it helped me get through the dark days when the treatment left me feeling pretty awful.
"Chemo finished in May and this was followed by six weeks' radiotherapy which continued until the end of June. "It was always going to be touch and go as to whether I would be strong enough to take part in the Race for Life so I was delighted when I got the go-ahead from my consultant, providing I felt ok.
"I was a bit nervous on the day, in the weeks beforehand I discarded my 'wig' having made the decision that if I could put up with my bald head then so could others.
"I joined the starting line-up, accompanied by my husband.
"He'd asked if he could join me, to make sure I didn't overdo things, and was delighted to be told yes, even though he took a bit of stick from many of the ladies.
"We walked and I was ecstatic to complete the course in a little over 40 minutes. I'd come such a long way since the diagnosis and felt that this was a springboard for the future.
"Since the race I've continued to have regular check-ups, I'm feeling quite strong and looking forward to this year's event."
Blackpool Race for Life is at Lawson Road Showground on Tuesday, July 14, and Wednesday, July 15, at 7.30pm.
For more information on entering or volunteering, visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0871 641 2282.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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