A Forfar nurse and mum-of-three who has survived breast cancer will take part in Cancer Research UK’s Relay for Life in Kirriemuir.
Karen Fletcher, 47, is encouraging friends, families and work colleagues to join together and enter teams for the overnight event which takes place at the Kirriemuir Showfield on August 15 and 16.
She also hopes that other cancer survivors and people currently undergoing treatment will join her and take part in the inspirational ‘Lap of Honour’ which marks the start of the fundraising festival.
Karen was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, aged 42, but was treated successfully with surgery, followed by chemotherapy.
Five years on, Karen said she is proud to join with fellow Forfar Road Runners team members to raise money for valuable research.
She said: “Cancer can be very alienating.
“When you are first diagnosed, people don’t know how to react.
“I just wanted to feel ‘normal’.
“I wanted to say, ‘yes, I have cancer, but I am also a mother, a nurse, a wife, a fitness fanatic, a friend and that doesn’t stop.’
“I wasn’t going to put my life on hold; I was going to make the most of every moment.”
For more information on how to enter Relay for Life call Rhona Guild on 07971454626 or e-mail rhonaguild@gmail.com.