A 72-YEAR-OLD Worcester cancer survivor is celebrating her ten year ‘all clear’ from the disease by taking part in her tenth Race for Life in the city.
Wendy Poyner, a retired sheltered housing manager, said she is looking forward to crossing the finish line at the city’s 5k event which takes place today (Sunday).
The plucky pensioner will tackle the course alongside her granddaughter, 29-year-old Claire Hateley, also from Worcester. The pair have taken part in every Worcester Race for Life for the last ten years, starting when Wendy got the all-clear from breast cancer in 2008.
Accompanying Wendy every step of the way will be lifelong friend Mary Lewis, also from Worcester, along with her daughter Michelle Lewis and granddaughter Katie Wyld. Claire’s best friend Emma Goode is also part of the team.
“Race for Life has always been a celebration for me,” said Wendy, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002.
“When I got my all-clear we just wanted to do something to mark the occasion, so Claire and I decided to do Race for Life.
“We absolutely loved it. I always walked, along with a few friends, and Claire would run ahead and then wait for us at the finish line. This year she’s going to walk it with me, because I’m 72 now and I think it might be my last one. But Claire’s insisting I will be here next year – even if she has to push me over the finish line in a wheelchair!”
The women are keen to highlight the crucial connection between taking part in Race for Life and helping save lives by funding work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
Wendy, who lives with husband Bryn Poyner in Blackpole, said: “I’m so proud to sign up to Race for Life and I can’t wait to claim my tenth medal!
“My experience means I understand all too clearly why Cancer Research UK’s work is so important. It’s thanks to all the mums, grans, daughters and friends who take part in Race for Life and help fund vital research that Cancer Research UK’s scientists and doctors can continue to make strides forward in their efforts to beat the disease. That’s why I’m calling on women in Worcester to join the fight and sign up today.”
Wendy had a mastectomy when her breast cancer was diagnosed, but opted not to have further treatment because her husband Bryn was seriously ill at the time.
She said: “My cancer was marginal so they left it up to me if I wanted to have chemotherapy too. It would have been a lot to cope with at the time so I chose not to, but it turned out to be the right decision and I feel so lucky to still be here.
“Bryn and I believe in looking forward and being positive, and fortunately we both got through our illnesses and have enjoyed many more years of marriage.
“I always read other people’s back signs at Race for Life so I know that many other people also survive this disease. Research has the power to save lives and every woman who crosses the finish line at a Race for Life event is bringing us one step closer to the day when all cancers are cured.”
