Tracey Walker is appealing to women to register for Cancer Research’s Race for Life

Mother-of-two Tracey Walker is appealing to women to register for Cancer Research’s Race for Life to increase the survival chances of others hit by the disease.

Mrs Walker, who has taken part in the 5km race four times – once while undergoing chemotheraphy – represents the 37 men and women diagnosed with cancer in the North-East every day.

The 44-year-old from Merrybent, near Darlington, was diagnosed in February 2007 after finding a lump on her right breast.

She endured chemotherapy and surgery to remove the golf-ball sized lump and lymph nodes from her right underarm, followed by radiotherapy.

She received the allclear later that year and now has regular check-ups.

Mrs Walker, who is married to Nigel, said the theme for this year’s race is My Amazing Moments, because research funded by the race ensures more people survive and can go on to create precious memories of their own.

“To be told I had cancer was devastating news. In the space of just two weeks, my whole life had been turned upside down.

“But, I was determined that failure was not an option and this became my motto and motivation.

“I kept thinking of all the special times I might miss, such as seeing our children growing up and getting married; becoming a glamorous gran; or seeing our 15-year-old son, Matthew, become the first person in our family to go to college and then university.

“Thanks to research, I am still here. Success stories like mine would not be possible without the work of Cancer Research UK.”

The back-signs, held by Mrs Walker’s daughter, Francesca, nine, her mother, Rose Boyle, 71, from Darlington, and Mrs Walker’s best friend, Donna Breckon, 35, from Yarm, near Stockton, capture meaningful milestones in Mrs Walker’s life over the past three years.

These include flying over the Grand Canyon in a helicopter and a party to thank family and friends for helping her through her treatment.

Races this summer include Darlington’s South Park, on Sunday, June 13, and Aykley Heads Sports Centre, in Durham, on Sunday, July 4, both at 11am.

Events are also taking place in Gateshead, on Sunday, May, 16; Sunderland, on Sunday, May 23; Hartlepool, on Sunday, June 6; Middlesbrough, on Friday and Saturday, June 18 and 19; and Newcastle, on Sunday, July 11.

Holly Howey, Cancer Research UK’s North-East events manager, said: “This year’s Race for Life is going to be full of amazing moments for everyone – from lining up side-by-side with thousands of other women, to reading the inspirational back-signs worn by participants, to the fantastic sense of achievement from crossing the finish line.”

To enter, go to raceforlife.

org or call 0871-641-1111.