A primary school teacher who feared she would never fall pregnant following cancer treatment was a VIP guest at Cancer Research UK’s flagship North West event.
Hannah Lynch, 29 from Irlam, sounded the starter horn at the event in Heaton Park on Sunday, 2 July.
Hannah underwent intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, and doctors warned her that treatment could make her infertile.
However, shortly after she was given the all clear, Hannah and her partner Cameron, also 29, welcomed their miracle baby Billie, now 18 months old, into the world.
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This was the 30th year of Race for Life and participants received a medal to mark the milestone.
The event had an extra special meaning for Hannah as it will kick start her birthday celebrations as she turns 30 later this year.
Hannah said: “When I was told I had cancer, I just burst into tears.
“My mum and dad were with me, and they broke down too. It was the worst day of mine and my family’s life.
“I immediately asked if I was going to die. Then I thought about how I’d lose my hair, I loved my long blonde hair, it was my crown.
“But then the worst part came.
“My partner Cameron and I had recently decided to try for a baby, and they said I needed to prepare for the fact that I may never be able to have children, as the treatment was likely to make me infertile.
“This felt worse than the news I had cancer. I had my eggs frozen and had to accept that we may never have kids.
“But then, just as I had the all clear, I found out I was pregnant. It was a quite a surprise, she’s our little miracle.
“Now I’m out the other side, I’m proud to Race for Life.
“We all have a reason to Race for Life and for me it will be for myself, but also for my daughter, for her future, so that treatments and awareness keep improving.”
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Hannah was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer, aged 25, after discovering a lump in her left breast whilst in the shower.
She wasn’t initially concerned, and she visited her GP who thought it could be hormonal because of her young age.
Hannah insisted on a scan, and that’s when she received the devastating diagnosis.
Hannah had surgery to remove an 8cm tumour, followed by an intensive course of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapy at The Christie.
During this time, she was treated with four chemotherapy drugs, including docetaxel and carboplatin, both of which Cancer Research UK scientists helped to develop.
Hannah was then referred to Wythenshawe Hospital for a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.
Now in remission, Hannah has annual check-ups to ensure the cancer hasn’t returned.
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Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in the North West, Jane Bullock said: “This weekend at Heaton Park was amazing with a staggering number of participants.
“Our Race for Life events are open to all. For some people, Race for Life is literally a walk in the park. Slow and steady still wins.
“For others, it’s a jog. Others may opt to push themselves harder, taking up the challenge of the 10K distance.
“But what’s for certain is we’re looking forward to welcoming people of all ages and abilities.
“We are incredibly grateful to Hannah Lynch for her support and honoured that she chose Race for Life to kick start her 30th birthday celebrations.”
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