‘I just get on with my life’ says inspiration

Mar 25 2008 by Jule Wilson, The Journal

AN inspirational woman could be in line to collect her second community award in less than a year, after being nominated for a competition in The Journal.

Debra Slesser, 40, not only battled breast cancer, undergoing a double mastectomy to prevent the disease recurring, but after reconstructive surgery last year she also tackled the region’s most famous race, the Bupa Great North Run, to raise funds for cancer charities.

Her efforts in the race won Mrs Slesser the Spirit of South Tyneside Award, but she donated the £1,000 prize to South Tyneside charity Cancer Connections.

Friend Sandra Raine, 37, said she was so impressed by Mrs Slesser’s positivity and determination that she has nominated the mother of one for ‘The Journal Your Great North Run Award, given to an individual with the most funny, inspirational or touching account of their experience in the Great North Run.

Mrs Raine, of Osborne Avenue, South Shields, said: “She is so positive it’s unbelievable and she has her fingers in lots of pots with regard to raising awareness of cancer and raising money for those who have it.

“I did the Great North Run with her last year and found it a challenge, but seeing Debra take part was just so inspiring and she is still taking part in sponsored walks and runs, as well as supporting another friend of ours who has recently been diagnosed with cancer.”

If Mrs Raine’s testimonial is one of the three top entries for the competition, which this year is themed One in a Million in honour of the event’s millionth entrant, then Mrs Slesser could be attending the Great North Run Hall of Fame Charity Dinner at the Gateshead Hilton on April 7.

Hosted by former tennis ace and BBC TV presenter Sue Barker, the evening will see six more celebrities inducted into the Great North Run Hall of Fame.

As well as having the chance to see the ceremony, the top three nominees for The Journal’s competition will be in with a shot at walking away with the coveted Journal Your Great North Run trophy, which will be presented during the dinner by editor Brian Aitken.

Mrs Slesser, of Ada Street, South Shields, said: “Taking part in the Great North Run was something I had always wanted to do as I had watched it for years and always felt inspired by all the runners. The atmosphere was great, even from the side lines.

“Actually taking part myself was an absolutely great experience and a personal achievement for me. I am thrilled that Sandra has nominated me for this award. It’s very nice that she thinks I deserve something like this, even though I am just getting on with my life and taking part in events because I can.

“I feel lucky I have survived to be able to, I have known many people who haven’t been as lucky as me.”

Entries to the contest can be in the form of a short story, a poem, a song or simply a statement, and must not exceed 250 words. They must also arrive at The Journal offices by noon on Tuesday, April 1.

Send us your nomination

You can now nominate in a number of ways

Online: click here to leave your nomination

Post: Send you nomination to The Journal Newsdesk, Groat Market, Newcastle, NE1 1ED

Email: Send your nomination to jnl.newsdesk@ncjmedia.co.uk