Mel and friends did 10k Race for Life from home this year
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A FORRES mum in remission from cancer and her friends have completed a 10K challenge and raised more than £600 for charity so far.
Mel Garrow and her team 'Mel's Minions' were to take part in the annual Race for Life in Inverness on May 22 to support Cancer Research but, following its cancellation due to the ongoing coronavirus lockdown, decided to do the 10k challenge anyway near their homes.
Mel explained: "We did not want to let our fundraisers down so we decided to complete the race in Forres and Elgin. It turned out to be a social distance walk!"
The pupil support assistant was diagnosed with cancer in November 2018 and treated with immunotherapy, which trains the immune system to fight the disease.
She said: "I have been very lucky in that I have still been able to work part -time while receiving treatment twice-a-month for a year. I have never been ill once throughout it and never lost any hair.
"The staff at the Spey Unit in Elgin are fantastic - they are a fabulous bunch of ladies and I am really going to miss them."
Mel had her last session on April 16 and is currently in remission.
She said: "The doctors and nurses who have helped look after me over the past 18 months have been amazing and very supportive - the NHS helped save my life! Cancer does not have to be scary - positivity is the key!"
Despite still recovering and having no running experience, Mel is a keen walker and was able to also complete the 10K challenge with Heather Jarman, Adeline Masson, Sue Galbraith, Rachel Newlands and Kathryn Mcritchie.
She said: "Considering I have not been able to complete a long walk in a while due to my cancer treatment, I was amazed and proud that I completed it. Being able to complete it with my best friends was even better and my husband Andrew and sons Alexander and Callum are very proud of my achievements."
Please sponsor Mel's Minions here
