FOR the past nine years Jacqui Rottenbury has taken part in Race for Life to celebrate her father’s recovery from cancer – now the mum of two from Rode will be taking part to mark the end of her own cancer journey.
Jacqui, 46, was diagnosed with bowel and liver cancer 18 months ago and is recovering from a final operation. But she will be pulling on her trainers again and taking part in the 5K event at Victoria Park, Bath on Sunday 12th June to mark the end of her own treatment.
She explained, “At the age of 44 I was diagnosed with bowel and liver cancer. It was a shock but as my dad had beaten cancer of the oesophagus nine years earlier, I was positive I would survive.
“With two small children I have everything to live for. I started doing the Race for Life after my dad’s cancer in 2007 and I have done it almost every year since.
“My daughter, Lucy, did her first race when she was just aged five and has done it every year since. She has done six so far.
“But last year was the most challenging event as I was recovering from my second surgery. I had already had three months of chemo and bowel surgery and only eight weeks before the race I had a liver resection.”
Jacqui and 11-year-old daughter Lucy, will be standing shoulder to shoulder with each other in Victoria Park on Sunday 12th June and taking part in the 5K event. They will be supported by her son Sam aged 10 and husband John.
They are urging other mums, daughters, sisters and friends to follow their lead, form their own mini regiments and swell the ranks of Race for Life’s pink army by signing up at www.raceforlife.org
Jacqui added, “My experience means I understand all too clearly why Cancer Research UK’s work is so important. It’s thanks to research that I’m standing here today. That’s why I’m taking part in Race for Life and calling on women across Somerset to follow my lead.
“I did Race for Life in Bath eight weeks after my liver surgery last year and raised over £1,000. I want others to know there is light at the end of the tunnel and to hear of the positive experiences from patients. I had wonderful help and support and so much positivity has come out of my experience.”
Money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists to advance research which is helping to save the lives of men, women and children across the South West.
Lisa Sweeting, Race for Life organiser for Bath, said, “Race for Life events are not competitive. They are not about being fit or fast. Taking part is about being part of a collective force of powerful women – of all ages – leading the charge against cancer.”
