Cancer walk is key to research

Oct 8 2007 by Audrey Barton, The Journal

A BREAST cancer survivor is calling on local people to step out in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Lynne Harding, of Blyth, Northumberland is encouraging everyone to sign up for the Stride for Life sponsored walk later this month.

Lynne was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2005 when she was 48.

She noticed a lump in her breast while on holiday with her husband Alan in the Dominican Republic.

When she returned from holiday she went to see her GP who referred her to hospital for tests which confirmed she had cancer.

Lynne underwent a lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy and will be taking Tamoxifen for five years to lower the risk of breast cancer recurring or developing in the other breast.

The mother-of-two said: “Being diagnosed with breast cancer was devastating at first but in many ways it has changed my life for the better.

“I know from personal experience that research into breast cancer is crucial.”

“I’m doing things now that I would never have done before I had cancer. It’s made me determined to do more with my life.”

Lynne volunteers in Cancer Research UK’s North-East fundraising office.

Now she is now urging people to join the Stride for Life at Newcastle’s Exhibition Park and Town Moor on Sunday, October 28th. Walkers can choose from 5k and 10k routes.

A Stride for Life sponsored walk will also take place in Berwick upon Tweed on Sunday, October 21st and covers 10k.

There is a registration fee of £6 per adult and £3 for children under 16, or £10 and £5 on the day the registration fee covers all the administration and organisational costs of the event, which means that all sponsorship money raised goes directly into research.

To take part, register online at www.cancerresearchuk.org/breastcancer or call Cancer Research UK’s North-East fundraising office on 0870 160-2040.