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Irlam cancer survivor to complete race for life ‘for daughter’s future’ after becoming mum against the odds

Hannah Lynch, a primary school teacher from Irlam feared that she would never be able to get pregnant after being diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 25.
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Following chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, doctors warned her that it could make her infertile.

However, to her amazement, Hannah and her partner Cameron welcomed their “miracle baby” Billie into the world shortly after she was given the all-clear.

In gratitude for her life-saving treatment and for the sake of her daughter’s future, Hannah has signed up for Race for Life, a fundraising event for Cancer Research UK.

Speaking to I Love Manchester, Hannah said: “When I was told I had cancer, I just burst into tears. My mum and dad were with me and they broke down too. It was the worst day of my and my family’s life. I immediately asked if I was going to die.

“Then I thought about how I’d lose my hair, I loved my long blonde hair, it was my crown.

“But then the worst part came. My partner Cameron and I had recently decided to try for a baby and they said I needed to prepare for the fact that I may never be able to have children, as the treatment was likely to make me infertile.

“This felt worse than the news I had cancer. I had my eggs frozen and had to accept that we may never have kids. But then, just as I had the all-clear, I found out I was pregnant. It was quite a surprise, she’s our little miracle.

“Now I’m out the other side, I couldn’t wait to sign up and I’m looking forward to the event at Heaton Park.

“I’m proud to Race for Life. We all have a reason to Race for Life and for me it will be for myself, but also for my daughter, for her future, so that treatments and awareness keep improving.”

She will be participating in the 5K event at Heaton Park, Prestwich, on Sunday, July 2nd, 2023. She aims to encourage people of all ages and abilities to participate and sign up at raceforlife.org.

This year’s Race for Life is the 30th anniversary and participants will receive a medal to mark the milestone. The event has a special meaning for Hannah as it will also kick-start her 30th birthday celebrations.

Hannah was diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer at 25 and underwent surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy.

Hannah had surgery to remove an 8cm tumour, followed by an intensive course of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapy at The Christie Hospital, Manchester.

Today, she is in remission and has annual check-ups.

She added: “It’s thanks to advances in research and treatments that I’m still here and enjoying my life. I love visiting new places and getting dolled up and going out with my family and friends. So many plans were spoiled due to my diagnosis and I’m determined to make up for it now.

“I suffered from PTSD, and I am still scared when I go for check-ups. The way the room smells brings all the painful memories flooding back, but I am better at talking about it all now and I want to spread awareness about early detection.

“People must seek help if something isn’t right, you know your own body. I am a cancer survivor because I just knew, even though I tried to come up with simple explanations for my lump, I had to get properly checked out.

“I’m excited to Race for Life and to play my part to fund research today which I hope will also help beat cancer for Billie’s generation and future generations to come.”

Despite the difficult journey, she is determined to enjoy life, visit new places, and spend time with family and friends. Hannah has suffered from PTSD, but she now talks about her experience to raise awareness about early detection.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life is an inspiring series of events that raise millions of pounds every year to fund crucial research that helps prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer.

Every year around 43,600 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West. The money raised at Race for Life enables scientists to find new ways to beat cancer and save more lives.

Cancer Research UK is grateful for Hannah’s support and hopes that many people will join the 30th year of Race for Life to help fight cancer.

Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in the North West, Jemma Humphreys, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Hannah for her support and honoured that she has chosen Race For Life to kick start her 30th birthday celebrations.

“We’d love for as many people as possible across Greater Manchester to join us during our 30th year of Race for Life. Sadly, cancer affects all of us in some way. Whether people are living with cancer, taking part in honour of or in memory of a loved one with cancer, or signing up to protect their own children’s future, everyone has a reason to Race for Life. Together we can bring about a future free from the fear of cancer. So we’re asking people across the region: Who will you Race for?

“Our Race for Life events are open to all. For some people, Race for Life is a walk in the park. Slow and steady still wins. For others, it’s a jog. Others may opt to push themselves harder, taking up the challenge of the 10K distance. But what’s for certain is we’re looking forward to welcoming people of all ages and abilities.”

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, is an inspiring series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.

Every year around 43,600 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West,  and one in two people in the UK born after 1960 will get cancer in their lifetime.

Money raised at Race for Life enables scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer - helping to save more lives.

To enter, visit  raceforlife.org 

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