Blackpool man who lost lung to cancer now in the running to help other patients

Paul Roberts, 51, was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in July last year after Blackpool Victoria Hospital doctors discovered a large tumour which was close to piercing his lung. He needed emergency surgery to remove his entire lung, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy at the Rosemere cancer centre in Preston.

Now he is warming up for a 5K Race for Life along Blackpool Promenade this September 26 to celebrate being in remission and help raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK.

He said: “I want to do something positive to give back and to make sure that vital research into cancer can continue. I’m living proof of how research really does save lives and thankfully I’m still here to tell the tale. Despite having only one lung, I’m determined the complete the 5K this September and help more people beat cancer.

“It was a massive shock when the doctors told me I had cancer. All of a sudden reality just hit me, and next thing I knew I was on an operating theatre having my lung removed. I just couldn’t believe this was happening to me. It was a really frightening time but thankfully my cancer was caught early enough for it to be treated, and I’d urge others to see their GP if they notice any changes to their body which are unusual for them.”

Blackpool’s annual Race for Life event, which was originally scheduled for August, was among 400 mass participation events which organisers Cancer Research UK cancelled this year to protect the country’s health during the Covid-19 outbreak.

The charity is expecting a £160 million drop in income in the year ahead with a £44 million cut to life-saving research funding.

To help tackle the loss, supporters like Paul have instead vowed to raise funds by completing their own Race for Life in their nearest outdoor space either alone or in small, socially distanced groups.

Paul said: “Cancer can feel isolating at the best of times but it’s been particularly tough for cancer patients during the pandemic. Even though we will Race for Life differently in 2020, nothing is going to stop me raising money to help beat cancer. I want to reach out to people going through cancer right now, to show that while we may all still be apart, we can unite with a common goal to fund life-saving research.”

Anna Taylor, of Cancer Research UK, said: “Paul’s story is one of hope and inspiration and we are incredibly grateful for his support at what is a particularly challenging time for Cancer Research UK.

“Cancer is still happening right now vital cancer research has been delayed this year. But even though we have to Race for Life differently in 2020, nothing’s going to stop us running, walking or jogging to raise money and help beat cancer. Whatever the hurdle, we’ll keep going and we’d urge as many people as possible in Blackpool to join us for a Very 2020 Race for Life on September 26."

There will be a live broadcast on the Cancer Research UK Race for Life Facebook page at 9.30am on the day of the event. Organisers are also inviting participants to share photos and videos on social media using the hashtag, #Very2020RaceForLife.

Sign up to take part online at www.raceforlife.org