A WARRINGTON mum who is having treatment for cancer is taking part in this year’s Pretty Muddy event for Cancer Research UK – and for the first time, her husband is joining her.
Microbiologist Angela Robinson, 38, from Great Sankey, is no newcomer to Pretty Muddy. But it’s the first year men can take part, so husband Paul, 40, will be donning his trainers to take part too. Cheering them on will be the couple’s two-year-old son, Alex.
The Robinsons are calling on other kids and families to get muddy for Cancer Research UK on Sunday, 2 June. The 5k event kicks off at 10.45am at Victoria Park.
Angela overcame oral cancer, diagnosed shortly after she lost her mum to oesophageal cancer in 2012. She gave birth to Alex in January 2017. Throughout her pregnancy, all symptoms of Angela’s Crohn’s Disease – a condition she’s had since she was 22 – disappeared. But when Alex was just six months old, she was called for a routine endoscopy and was called back for an MRI scan and then referred to a specialist in Warrington.
Angela said: “I had no symptoms, although I was slightly tired – but being a new mum, thought that was to be expected.”
She was diagnosed with bowel cancer in August that year.
Following IVF treatment, Angela underwent chemotherapy before having surgery at the Christie Cancer Centre in Macclesfield to remove the tumour. Scans revealed the cancer had spread to her ovaries.
“When the op came, I had a full hysterectomy and they removed so much of my bowel, they were unable to prevent me from having a permanent colostomy bag,” said Angela. “I was relieved that I had my one little boy, but I was terrified. I’d not brought this little boy into this world to leave him so quickly.”
Although the chemotherapy was successful, Angela was told in March this year – following a routine scan – that she now has cancer in her pelvis.
“I’m having numerous scans and biopsies and am waiting to get the results to find out where I go from here,” said Angela. “I’m hoping it’s more chemo, so I can see my baby boy grow up.”
Despite everything she’s going through – and with the doctor’s blessing – Angela’s determined to take part in Pretty Muddy. Also joining her will be her friend Michelle Fitzsimmons and her daughter, Freya. “I’m being as active as I can be with my little boy,” said Angela. “I’m trying to keep as positive as I can and I think that’s half the battle.”
Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring series of 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events.
Jane Bullock, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for the North West, said: “We’re extremely grateful to Angela and her family and friends for taking part in Pretty Muddy 5k. Her story is sure to inspire other families to sign up. Every muddy step they take will help bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.”
One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives, but the good news is more people are surviving the disease now than ever before. Cancer survival in the UK has doubled since the early 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress.
Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work relies on the public’s support. Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, the charity was able to spend around £28m last year in the North West on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research – helping more men, women and children survive.
To enter Race for Life today go to raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.
1 Comment
This is one brave, strong and determined lady! ..Go girl and good luck!! …good luck to Paul too, I am sure AJ would LOVE to get muddy with you!! xxx