After being diagnosed with breast cancer, mum-of-four
is determined to complete 5km race at Delamere Forest

A SINGLE mum-of-four currently battling breast cancer will step up her fight against the disease by taking part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.

Nicola McLong, aged 38, of Rylands Drive, Orford was diagnosed with cancer less than a year ago after finding a lump.

She went to Warrington Hospital and was advised it was likely to be a cyst but test results revealed she had stage three cancer in her left breast.

“It came as a real shock to me, I was completely devastated,” said Nicola.

“I thought I was too young to get cancer, it’s what happens to other people.”

She began four months of chemotherapy while also looking after children Nathan, aged 17, Joel, aged 12, Leyna, aged nine and Macaulay, aged four.

An operation at Halton Hospital followed in November to have the surrounding cells and lymph nodes removed.

She then underwent a course of radiotherapy at Clatterbridge Hospital in the Wirral and continues to have treatment every three weeks.

Nicola has now decided to do the Race for Life in Delamere Forest on Sunday, with daughter Leyna to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

She said: “: “It was my daughter’s idea to take part. We’re both really looking forward to doing it.

“It is my way of fighting back against cancer.

“I’m so grateful for the research that has helped me and now I want to help others by supporting Cancer Research UK’s work.”

l To sign up for the Delamere event go to raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050. The deadline for application closes today, Thursday.

You can also sign up to a Race for Life event at Victoria Park in Warrington. It takes place on Sunday, July 21.