Inspirational Sutton-in-Ashfield woman Lauren lights the way

Now she’s urging support for the inspirational night-time Shine event for Cancer Research UK.

Lauren, who lives with her mum, felt an itch in her right breast last June and then discovered a lump while lying in bed. Her GP referred her to the breast clinic where Lauren had scans and a biopsy. A few days later she was called back to be told she had breast cancer.

Thanks to a family history of breast cancer, Lauren was offered the BRCA test. When she tested positive Lauren assumed she had inherited the faulty gene from her paternal side, but the gene proved to be from her maternal grandmother who had died of cervical cancer.

Lauren had weekly chemotherapy treatment from September until Valentine’s Day this year. She lost her beautiful long hair, felt exhausted and often suffered with nausea leaving her bed-bound.

But during the darkest of times, Lauren met a new boyfriend, Rae, who has been her rock. Rae has taken Lauren to all her appointments and been there every step of the way for her.

Following chemotherapy, Lauren faced a double mastectomy in April. She has then had 15 rounds of radiotherapy and hopes to return to her work at a petrol station at the end of this month (August).

Lauren urged her mum to be tested and she has also since proved positive for the BRCA 1 gene.

As Lauren is still recovering from treatment and waiting for breast implants, she’s unable to take part in Shine Nottingham this year, but has participated previously and loves the sense of togetherness at the event.

She said: “It was a shock being told I had cancer as nobody wants to hear those words. I’d already made peace with the fact I might have cancer as both my grandmothers and aunt were diagnosed before me.

“The treatment has proved gruelling. But I’m now looking forward to getting back to work and becoming the fun-loving, outgoing and active person I was before I was diagnosed.

“So many success stories like mine are made possible by the work of Cancer Research UK and I’ve always been a regular donor.

“Advances in research and better treatments mean I’m still here to enjoy more precious time with my loved ones.”

Cancer Research UK scientists were at the forefront of the discovery of the BRCA genes – helping to unlock the knowledge that faults in these genes increase people’s risk of developing certain cancers including breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancers.

The 10k Shine Night Walk returns to Nottingham on Friday, September 12.

In the East Midlands, around 28,800 people are diagnosed with cancer every year.* Taking part in Shine Night Walk could help researchers unlock new and better ways to beat the disease.

Starting at Old Market Square, participants will walk their way through the heart of Nottingham in a neon-glowing parade of light that takes in some of the city’s most loved landmarks from County Hall, the Theatre Royal and Nottingham Playhouse.

It’s thanks to the fundraising efforts of supporters that Cancer Research UK was able to spend more than £90,000 in Nottingham last year, including tackling health inequalities in smoking and improving ways to spot lung cancer earlier.

Shine Night Walk participants can choose to support work into the cancer type closest to their hearts, such as prostate, bowel, lung or breast cancer – among other types of the disease - or simply give to where the need is greatest.

Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the East Midlands, Jane Bullock, said: “Our scientists have helped to double cancer survival in the UK in the last 50 years. We’ve led the development of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, paved the way for targeted treatments and improved the way we use surgery to tackle cancer. But, with nearly 1 in 2 people set to be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime,*** we can’t stop there. So, we’re grateful to Lauren for helping to raise vital awareness.

“Our vision is a world where everybody lives longer, better lives free from the fear of cancer and money raised through events like Shine Night Walk is critical to making this a reality. Whether people walk for loved ones, for future generations or with friends old and new, they’ll be helping to power more progress - September 12 is Nottingham’s moment to shine.”

People can also show their support by volunteering on the night. From helping to set up the course to guiding participants around the city, there are lots of opportunities to get involved, meet new people and learn new skills.

Anyone who signs up for Shine Night Walk between August 18 - September 1 can claim 30 per cent off the entry fee by using the code SNWAUG25.

To enter or volunteer visit shinewalk.org