An Angus mother whose family have been devastated by cancer is preparing for her final charity challenge after four decades of fundraising.
Mum-of-two Lorna Kydd, 51, has raised more than £100,000 in the past 41 years but this year’s Cancer Research UK Relay for Life in Arbroath will be her last.
Lorna, who lives in the town and works in the office at Warddykes Primary School, underwent a full hysterectomy and a double mastectomy to save her life in 2009 as she has a cancer gene and both of her parents died of the disease.
Her husband had testicular cancer 10 years ago and was lucky to survive but, sadly, her father died of prostate cancer seven years ago.
Lorna also watched her mother battle ovarian cancer before she died four years ago.
Lorna’s family have been touched by cancer ever since she can remember and she began raising money for cancer charities at the age of just 10.
“It is now 41 years and I am now thinking of hanging up my boots, as they say,” Lorna said.
Lorna has been married to Graham for 33 years and they have two children, Charlene Mallard, 30, and Allan, 19.
She added: “Charlene has been tested for the cancer gene and was lucky enough not to carry it but Allan may at some point have the test as he could also get breast cancer and they are speaking about a link with prostate cancer, which men also get.
“I now wish I had kept a note of the money I have raised over the years but I didn’t think 41 years later I would still be fundraising.
“If I was to make a guess it would be over £100,000 raised and yes, with a heavy heart, I will be giving up fundraising.”
Lorna’s friends Linda Cook and Marie Church have also turned her hair from black to blonde with a rainbow on the top of her head.
In June she then plans to shave all her newly-coloured hair off to raise funds for the Relay for Life, which she will be taking part in on September 20/21.
To give cash to Lorna’s challenge go to www.justgiving.com/Lorna-Kydd.