Runner’s tribute to aunts

Feb 8 2008 by Audrey Barton, The Journal

A TEACHER has taken time to reflect on her family’s battle with cancer and hopes her tribute will inspire other women to complete the Race for Life.

Mhairi McDermott, 29, of Walker, Newcastle, is urging women to register for the Cancer Research UK event this year.

Mhairi, who teaches at Milecastle Primary School, Chapel House, Newcastle, this week left messages of hope and remembrance in Eldon Square Shopping Centre for her two aunts who had the disease.

Messages – many in memory of loved ones lost to cancer and others celebrating survival – were on display on Monday and Tuesday to form a reflection area for passers-by.

Shoppers were invited to write their own message on a Race for Life ‘back-sign’ – the paper signs pinned on to the backs of women who take part in the race. Mhairi took part in the Gateshead Race for Life for the first time last year and is aiming to enter again this year now that registration has opened.

She said: “I took part because it seemed that more and more people closely linked with me were being affected by cancer.”

“By raising this money for Cancer Research, I’m hoping that other people will be able to receive life-saving treatment and won’t have to go through the same pain as my family.”

Mhairi ran in memory of her aunt Patricia Coyne who died from pancreatic cancer three years ago, and in celebration of another aunt, Elizabeth McKay, who was treated for breast cancer and is now in remission.

To register for this year’s races, visit www.raceforlife.org/north or call the hotline on 0871641 2278.