Latest news with #RaceforLifeGlasgow
Daily Record
19-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Inspirational Motherwell mum who overcame cancer aged 32 chosen to launch Scotland's biggest Race for Life
Djennah Benaouicha was guest of honour at Cancer Research UK's Race for Life Glasgow. She joined her partner Ross Fisher and her five-year-old daughter Millie McKeen sounding the starter horn. An inspirational Lanarkshire mum who overcame cancer aged 32 was chosen to launch Scotland's biggest Race for Life. Djennah Benaouicha was guest of honour at Cancer Research UK's Race for Life Glasgow. She joined her partner Ross Fisher and her five-year-old daughter Millie McKeen sounding the starter horn to send thousands of participants on the 3k and 5k courses at Glasgow Green. It was an emotional moment for Djennah who despite successful treatment for an early form of breast cancer discovered she has inherited a damaged version of a gene called ATM, increasing her risk of cancer. She now faces more surgery to cut the risk of cancer returning. As almost 6,000 people took to the streets of Scotland's largest city £735,754 was raised for Cancer Research UK- vital funds which will enable scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer- to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. Over the last 50 years, Cancer Research UK's work has helped double breast cancer survival in the UK. Djennah, a physiotherapist from Motherwell, recalls vividly the uncertainty she felt when doctors at University Hospital Wishaw told her she had cancer on October 1 2024, the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Djennah, now 33, said: 'Your world collapses when you hear the word cancer. 'My daughter had just started school and we'd been making plans for her fifth birthday which was three days away. But I felt lucky that the cancer had been caught early. 'I'm well now so it's important to me to do everything I can to raise awareness. I want to support research to help people going through cancer right now and to find better treatments for my daughter's generation.' Every year around 34,600 people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland. Djennah's team raised £861 by completing the Race for Life Glasgow 3k route. She was joined at the start line of Race for Life by Dr Kirsteen Campbell of the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute and the University of Glasgow. Breast cancer is a major focus for Dr Campbell's research and she's also part of a team studying other cancers including prostate, pancreatic, lung and brain cancer. The team has discovered a weak spot in cancer cells that healthy cells don't rely on as much. By targeting this vulnerability, scientists hope to kill more cancer cells while also making existing treatments gentler and more effective. They're investigating how special drugs called BH3 mimetics can help by blocking a protein called MCL-1, especially in cancers that don't respond well to current treatments. Dr Campbell said: 'We're proud that our research today in Scotland could make a difference to patients in the future. 'By targeting the proteins that help cancer cells stay alive, we aim to find better, more effective and kinder treatments. Research to understand more about the disease is expensive. That's why I'm in awe of every single person who crosses the finish line at Race for Life. Thank you Glasgow.' A team of teachers and youngsters from Caldervale High School in Airdrie took part in memory of senior six pupil Isla Sneddon who was 17 when she died in March 2025 from cancer. Isla's family also took part in the 5k including Isla's cousin Fiona Sandilands. Caldervale High School deputy head Scott Morgan said: 'Isla was such an important part of the school community. 'She is loved and missed by all of us. We are keen to do everything we can to raise much needed funds for cancer research.' Fancy dress costumes also included a team dressed as inflatable unicorns raising awareness of skin cancer. Participants were entertained on the course by the Rock Choir and members of the ScottishPower pipe band. Labour MP for Glasgow East John Grady ran the 5k and afterwards gave medals out at the finish line. Cancer Research UK's Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, is an inspiring series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research. Now organisers are sending a heartfelt message of thanks to everyone who put their best feet forward as well as their supporters. And they're appealing for people to make every step count by paying in sponsorship money as soon as possible. Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK's spokesperson in Scotland, said: 'We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life Glasgow. 'No matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for. Sadly nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime*** but all of us can support the research that will beat it. 'We're proud that Race for Life has had such a positive impact. Every pound raised supports our life-saving work, which has helped double cancer survival in the UK over the last 50 years. 'It was a fantastic day at Race for Life Glasgow, full of emotion, courage, tears, laughter and hope as people celebrated the lives of those dear to them who have survived cancer and remembered loved ones lost to the disease. 'Now we're asking everyone who took part to return the money they're raised as soon as possible. Every donation, every pound raised will make a real difference. '
Glasgow Times
18-05-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Thousands take part in Glasgow's Race for Life event
During the event across the city, £735,754 was raised for Cancer Research UK- vital funds, which will enable scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. Djennah Benaouicha was the guest of honour, joined by her partner Ross Fisher and her five-year-old daughter Millie McKeen, sounding the starter horn to send participants on the 3k and 5k courses at Glasgow Green. It was an emotional moment for Djennah, who, despite successful treatment for an early form of breast cancer, discovered she has inherited a damaged version of a gene called ATM, increasing her risk of cancer. (Image: STEVE WELSH) (Image: STEVE WELSH) (Image: STEVE WELSH) Djennah Benaouicha (Image: STEVE WELSH) (Image: STEVE WELSH) (Image: STEVE WELSH) (Image: STEVE WELSH) (Image: STEVE WELSH) (Image: STEVE WELSH) (Image: STEVE WELSH) (Image: STEVE WELSH) (Image: STEVE WELSH) (Image: STEVE WELSH) (Image: STEVE WELSH) (Image: STEVE WELSH) (Image: STEVE WELSH) (Image: STEVE WELSH) (Image: STEVE WELSH) (Image: STEVE WELSH) (Image: STEVE WELSH) (Image: STEVE WELSH) (Image: STEVE WELSH) (Image: STEVE WELSH) (Image: STEVE WELSH) (Image: STEVE WELSH) (Image: STEVE WELSH) READ NEXT: Nearly 30 Glasgow roads set to close for major music event She now faces more surgery to cut the risk of cancer returning and said: "Your world collapses when you hear the word cancer. 'My daughter had just started school and we'd been making plans for her fifth birthday, which was three days away. But I felt lucky that the cancer had been caught early. "I'm well now, so it's important to me to do everything I can to raise awareness. I want to support research to help people going through cancer right now and to find better treatments for my daughter's generation.' Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK's spokesperson in Scotland, said: 'We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life Glasgow. 'No matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for. Sadly, nearly one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime but all of us can support the research that will beat it. "We're proud that Race for Life has had such a positive impact. Every pound raised supports our life-saving work, which has helped double cancer survival in the UK over the last 50 years."
Glasgow Times
17-05-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Mum and daughter reveal cancer battle ahead of Race for Life
Lorraine Taylor, 64, and her daughter Michelle Harris, 38, will take part in the fundraising event for cancer research in Glasgow Green on May 18. Michelle, a teacher of complex needs, was diagnosed with skin cancer in November 2019. Read more: Race for Life to return to Glasgow - what you need to know Michelle said: "Cancer turns lives upside down, steals precious moments and affects far too many of us. "For me, it's personal as both my mum and I have faced it. "Mum and I have always been close. "We talk almost every day and plan weekends away together. "Mum was an amazing support for me when I was diagnosed and when mum faced cancer, I was right there for her. "Taking part in Race for Life is not just about the miles. "It's about giving back to a cause that has given our family and so many others hope. "Research means more people are getting through cancer. "We're proud to support that, to cross the finish line in honour of those going through cancer right now and also in memory of some friends and colleagues we have sadly lost to cancer." Michelle had day surgery on November 30, 2019, to remove the mole as well as lymph nodes from under her arms. She recovered well and no further treatment is now needed, though she still has regular check-ups on other areas of her body where there are moles. Lorraine was diagnosed with cancer just 16 months after Michelle's diagnosis. She had no symptoms when she attended a routine breast screening appointment in March 2021 and was diagnosed with breast cancer. Lorraine said: "I remember coming out of the appointment and feeling shell-shocked as I called my daughter Michelle to give her the news. "It was stressful at the time but in a way, I actually felt lucky as screening meant they had caught the cancer early. "Michelle was a great support to me." Lorraine was scheduled for surgery in April 2021 but it was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. She eventually had the surgery that June followed by eight sessions of radiotherapy at the Lanarkshire Beatson in Airdrie. After overcoming their cancer ordeal, the pair are determined to complete the 10k and are encouraging others to join them. They will be joined by Michelle's daughter Abby Harris, 17, and her pet dog Maze. Michelle and Lorraine on a family holiday (Image: Supplied) Read more: Cambuslang woman to trek Himalayas for charity Abby said: 'My mum and my gran are both amazing, strong women and I'll be proud to be by their side at Race for Life Glasgow.' Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK's spokeswoman in Scotland, said: "We are grateful to Michelle, Lorraine and Abby for their support and know their family story will make an impact on everyone who hears it. 'We'd love for as many people as possible across Scotland and beyond to join us at Race for Life."
Daily Mirror
29-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Mum given horror cancer diagnosis at routine screening despite displaying no symptoms
Sharon Seery, 52, from Renfrewshire, received an invitation to attend a routine breast screening appointment in the post last year - and was diagnosed with cancer days later A mum has described the moment her life was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with breast cancer following a routine screening - even though she hadn't experienced any symptoms. Sharon Seery, from Linwood in Renfrewshire, Scotland got a letter inviting her to a routine breast screening last year. The 52 year old went for the check-up - and was "shocked" to learn that an anomaly had been found in her results. Weeks later, mother-of-one Sharon was called back to the West Scotland Breast Screening Centre in Glasgow for further examination. Not long after, she was diagnosed with Her 2 positive, ER-negative breast cancer – a common type where the cancer cells bind to oestrogen and progesterone hormones. Reflecting on the impact of her diagnosis, she told the Daily Record: "It was a major shock. I remember feeling completely numb. I saw my life flash in front of me, the special moments, my girls being born, my wedding day, family times, my joy when my first grandchild Edan arrived. I tried to look to the future but it felt dark." Sharon battled through eight gruelling rounds of chemotherapy, followed by surgery at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley. She then had ten sessions of radiotherapy at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre. The mum is currently in remission and is recovering well, but will need to take the drug Herceptin every three weeks. In April, she celebrated the birth of her first granddaughter, Aila Beth Seery-Hutchinson. Sharon said: "I've received excellent treatment which has basically saved my life. "There are good days and not so good days. I'm beginning to feel better and starting to embrace the new me. I know there are good things ahead. "Without all the people who get out there and raise money for research in to cancer then things may not have turned out this way. What a difference a year makes.' As Sharon recovered at home last year, she received a surprise video message from her friend, Kate Bain and a 13-strong group from Shevlanes Pub in Springburn had just completed Race for Life Glasgow in Sharon's honour, raising more than £4,000 for Cancer Research UK. Sharon is now encouraging others to sign up to this year's Race for Life in aid of the charity, with a number of dates announced in towns and cities across the UK over the next few months. Sharon said: 'I cried when I received the video message from Kate and team at Race for Life Glasgow last May. 'Cancer can feel like a lonely place. I had gone from swimming three times a week and always being outdoors to losing my hair due to the side effects of chemotherapy, feeling unwell and spending most of my time inside. 'Receiving that message and knowing there were people out there right behind me felt like a massive hug. It was kind and I felt honoured. It still makes me emotional just thinking about it." Lisa Adams from Cancer Research UK said: 'Sadly nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime, but all of us can support the research that will beat it. We're proud that Race for Life has had such a positive impact. Every pound raised supports our life-saving work, which has helped double cancer survival in the UK over the last 50 years. 'We'd love for as many people as possible across Scotland and beyond to join us at Race for Life. There is an event for everyone and we mean everyone. Our events are strictly non-competitive which means everyone can have a go- and love every minute. There's no pressure to finish in a certain time, just give it what you can. Lace up and join in."
Edinburgh Live
29-04-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
Scottish mum left 'numb' by breast cancer diagnosis despite showing no symptoms
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A Scottish mum has revealed how she was diagnosed with breast cancer despite showing no symptoms. Sharon Seery was attending a routine appointment after receiving an invitation through the post for a breast screening. The 52-year-old, from Renfrewshire, said an abnormality was discovered during the test. A few weeks later, the mum-of-one was asked to attend the West Scotland Breast Screening Centre in Glasgow for more tests. She was later diagnosed with Her 2 positive, ER-negative breast cancer - a common type of breast cancer where cancer cells have receptors for estrogen and progesterone, the Daily Record reports. Recounting the experience, Sharon said: 'It was a major shock. I remember feeling completely numb. I saw my life flash in front of me, the special moments, my girls being born, my wedding day, family times, my joy when my first grandchild Edan arrived. I tried to look to the future but it felt dark.' Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. Sharon underwent eight gruelling rounds of chemotherapy followed by surgery at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley. The brave mum then had ten sessions of radiotherapy at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre. Currently, she is in remission and is recovering well but she will continue to receive the drug Herceptin every three weeks. In April, she celebrated the birth of her first granddaughter, Aila Beth Seery-Hutchinson. Sharon said: 'I've received excellent treatment which has basically saved my life. 'There are good days and not so good days. I'm beginning to feel better and starting to embrace the new me. I know there are good things ahead. (Image: Cancer Research UK) "Without all the people who get out there and raise money for research in to cancer then things may not have turned out this way. What a difference a year makes.' As Sharon recovered at home last year, she received a surprise video message from her friend, Kate Bain and a 13-strong group from Shevlanes Pub in Springburn had just completed Race for Life Glasgow in Sharon's honour, raising more than £4,000 for Cancer Research UK. As the countdown is on before this year's Race for Life Glasgow, Sharon is encouraging others to sign up. Sharon said: 'I cried when I received the video message from Kate and team at Race for Life Glasgow last May. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox 'Cancer can feel like a lonely place. I had gone from swimming three times a week and always being outdoors to losing my hair due to the side effects of chemotherapy, feeling unwell and spending most of my time inside. Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK's spokeswoman in Scotland, said: 'Sadly nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime*** but all of us can support the research that will beat it. We're proud that Race for Life has had such a positive impact. Every pound raised supports our life-saving work, which has helped double cancer survival in the UK over the last 50 years. 'We'd love for as many people as possible across Scotland and beyond to join us at Race for Life. There is an event for everyone and we mean everyone. Our events are strictly non-competitive which means everyone can have a go- and love every minute. There's no pressure to finish in a certain time, just give it what you can. Lace up and join in." To enter, visit
