Inspirational mum taking part in The Great Manchester Run while being treated for breast cancer

Becky Haigh, 32, was diagnosed with the disease in November 2022, after first ignoring the lump on her breast for a number of months.

She underwent a lumpectomy and removal of lymph nodes in April at Wythenshawe Hospital,  just weeks before the race takes place on May 21st.

Single mum-of-two Becky, is taking part in the 10k race alongside her sister, Samantha Haigh, 36. The pair are fundraising for Manchester-based charity Prevent Breast Cancer.

The NHS complaints manager, from Peel Hall,  said:  “I went to the doctors in October 2022 with concerns about the lump I had found on my breast. If I’m honest, I had ignored it for a few months, but after encouragement from my mum, I finally decided to get it checked out.

“After my doctor’s visit, I was officially diagnosed in November and the only words I remember hearing was ‘it’s super treatable’. Whilst my journey has been extremely challenging, those words gave me hope throughout the whole experience.

“Being 31 and a single mum of two girls, I knew I had to fight – there was no other option. My girls needed me. On the 1st December 2022 I started my first round of chemotherapy, exactly a month after diagnosis. How amazing is our NHS!

“The rest of my three-times-a-week treatment continued and I rang the bell on the 16th March 2023. I opted for a lumpectomy with sentinel lymph node removal followed by radiotherapy. I had surgery on the 14th April 2023 and I am awaiting for pathology results and I am hopefully cancer free! If so, once healed I can start my radiotherapy.”

Throughout her treatment, Becky met many people who offered support and guidance, especially individuals she connected with on social media.

“Talking to others who had gone through similar experiences was, at times, more helpful than the medical jargon from health professionals.

“I want to especially shout out to the Paxman Cooling Facebook group, a group who share their experiences of the scalp cooling treatment. These networks, and her Christie nurses,  have been an invaluable resource for me throughout my journey.”

Having her sister by her side means the race will be even more special for Becky.

She continues: “Despite my recent surgery, I decided to sign up anyway and see how I felt closer to the time. Now it’s coming up soon, I’m so excited to complete the race, especially with my sister by my side.

“My sister’s support throughout my cancer journey, including holding my hand at many appointments, has meant everything to me. Looking back on what I’ve been through means completing the 10k together is even more special.”

Becky chose to run the Manchester 10k as a way to support Prevent Breast Cancer, the only UK charity funding groundbreaking research solely aimed at preventing breast cancer for future generations. As a part of the NHS for the past five years, she is well aware of the importance of funding for cancer research and hopes that her participation in the event will help make a difference.

“Our initial goal was to raise £200 but we have already raised over £900 –  which we are absolutely over the moon with.”

Nikki Barraclough, executive director at Prevent Breast Cancer, said:  “Becky’s amazing story is one of not only resilience and positivity but also the power of social support.

“We wish her continued health and success on her recovery journey and are so grateful for her dedication to raising all-important funds for cancer research through her participation in the Manchester 10k and  we wish her the best of luck!”

For more information about the Great Manchester Run, please click here.