A Harrogate mum, who is one of three generations affected by cancer and is supporting Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life in honour of her mum and Grandma.
Breast cancer survivor Lorraine Wyrill, aged 48, is urging men, women and children to take part in the 5k or 10k event at The Stray on Sunday 14 July.
Lorraine’s Race for Life back sign is for her mum to show the importance of banding together on this special day. She is encouraging other mums and their families to join the Race for Life at www.raceforlife.org
For the first time, grown-up sons will be able to take part alongside their mothers as the previously women-only events are now open to everyone.
Taking part in Race for Life is a hugely moving experience as people come together to remember loved ones lost to cancer, celebrate the lives of those dear to them who have survived or support those going through treatment.
Many participants will be taking part in the Race for Life with their mums while others will be participating to honour their memory.
Lorraine, a prescription clerk for the NHS in Harrogate, was only 4 years old when her Grandma, Ollie Simpson died of breast cancer aged 48.
Lorraine’s mum Joan Spooner, from Pelton near Chester-le-Street was then diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2017, aged 70. The Consultant said to her mum that Lorraine should have a routine mammogram and she did.
She was recalled for further tests three days after (on her dad’s birthday) and was diagnosed with breast cancer a week later on 4 Oct 2017 – the day after her wedding anniversary.
Lorraine is 48 now, the same age her Grandma was when she died of breast cancer and is looking back on the experience her family went through.
Lorraine said:
It was a real shock when mum was diagnosed with breast cancer. We thought she had missed out on it, given her age, but she too had breast cancer like Gran. The family rallied around mum and she was so strong and positive.
When I was diagnosed just a few months after, mum took on the role I did for her. She supported me through it all. It was nice to be able to go to her and talk about what I was going through because she understood. We both picked each other up when we were feeling low and she told me that if she could get through it, so could I. The experience has brought us both together, we supported each other every step of the way and are so much closer because of it.
Lorraine’s mum Joan had a full mastectomy as part of her treatment and was given the all-clear in July 2018. Lorraine had two lumpectomies, then a mastectomy. Lorraine finished her treatment by January 2018 and was given the all-clear in November 2018.
She’s happy to support the Race for Life events, because she has taken part in four Race for Life events so far and did Pretty Muddy in Harrogate last year.
Lorraine said:
It was such an experience, such a laugh. It was full of people supporting each other, which was lovely to see. It was so emotional too, seeing everyone’s back signs and who they were there for. I did it for my mum and Gran.
As a family, we’re determined to do all that we can to help raise money for life-saving research so more men, women and children can survive cancer. My experience means I understand all too clearly why Cancer Research UK’s work is so important. I’m urging the people of Harrogate to show their support and join the Race for Life because every participant can help make a real difference.
Since getting the all-clear, Lorraine has been working through her ‘bucket list’ with the help of her daughter Sophie (18) and husband Darren (44).
Lorraine and Darren renewed their wedding vows in a Hindu temple in India, the family went ‘raving’ in Ibiza, Lorraine and Darren stayed in a castle in Edinburgh and Lorraine is going to go in a hot air balloon over Ripley Castle in April this year.
Emma Colbourne, Cancer Research UK’s Harrogate Event Manager, said:
We are very grateful to Lorraine for her support.
By following her lead, and joining the Race for Life, supporters in Harrogate can make a real difference in the fight against cancer. Money raised will help Cancer Research UK scientists and doctors find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease, helping save more lives.
Our Race for Life events are fun, colourful, emotional and uplifting. You don’t need to be sporty to take part. You don’t have to train, and you certainly don’t need to compete against anyone else. It’s a perfect example of everyday people doing an extraordinary thing – uniting in a common cause to beat cancer.
