Cancer survivors gathered in Arbroath to encourage people to take part in the town’s Relay for Life event in September.
This year’s 24-hour relay event takes place on September 17 at Arbroath Cricket Club to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.
A dozen cancer survivors gathered at The Townhouse Hotel in Arbroath, which is the main sponsor of the event, to swap stories in their fights against the disease.
Debbie Warren, 52, from Arbroath, has fought off cancer twice.
She said: “As a 13-year-old I was diagnosed with leukaemia and then the cancer returned in 2014 and I had a double breast mastectomy.
“When I was 13 my parents were very unoptimistic. I went through chemo. It was pretty hard going especially when I lost my hair.
“I missed a lot of school but I got the all-clear and I thought it was all behind me.
“It was a shock when it returned.
“I wanted to take part in Relay for Life because it’s close to my heart and it raises money for a very good cause.”
George Reid, 66, also from Arbroath, is hoping to be given the all-clear when he has a check-up in December, five years after he was diagnosed with bowel cancer.
He is intending to walk the track at the Arbroath Cricket Club for around 18 hours.
He said: “I realised that something wasn’t just quite right and went to the doctor so it was caught quite early. I had to have chemotherapy, radiotherapy and an operation.
“It’s the cards that are dealt to you. You just get on with it. I’ve always tried to keep myself pretty fit and watch my diet and now I’m swimming five times a week.
“I wanted to take part in Relay for Life to raise awareness and raise money and put a wee bit back after what I’ve been through.”
Norma McAra, 64, was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2013 and underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Unfortunately her cancer returned this year.
“I’m halfway through chemo at the moment so I’m unable to take part fully this year but I’ll be doing the lap for the survivors.
“I did the lap in 2013 and it was really emotional. It’s a reminder of how lucky we are still be here.
“Hopefully, God willing, I’ll be able to be part of a relay team next year.
“I’m right in the middle of chemo. I’ve had two and I’ve two to get.
“As it goes on you get more tired and the body starts to get fatigued but you’ve got to stay positive.”
Mandy Ritchie, survivorship chair, who beat breast cancer 16 years ago, said: “I organise the survivor’s lap and reception, which will open the relay. The teams follow after that. It sets the tone for the whole weekend.
“We’ve got people attending the Arbroath event from all over Angus, even some people coming from outwith the area and there will be lots of activities happening during the day.”
Anyone looking to sign up for Relay for Life is asked to contact committee chair Ian Angus on 07928 521030 or email ianangus56@gmail.com
