Elgin’s Amy’s Army lead charge against cancer at Race for Life in Inverness
A cancer survivor from Elgin who also lost her mum to the disease has hit the streets of Inverness for Race for Life - to raise awareness and vital charity funds.
Amy Addison, who owns a hair salon, led a team who crossed the finish line in the Highland capital on Sunday.
Amy joined hundreds of participants on the 5k and 10k courses at Bught Park - with all of the runners raising more than £70,659 in total for Cancer Research UK.
Amy (43) was group leader for Amy’s Army, a 16-strong team including husband Stuart Addison (49), children Kyla (17) and Menzie (15), who have raised more than £5700.
She wrote the names of 13 people who have been through cancer on her Race for Life back sign - to honour them. This included her own mum, former Greenwards Primary School receptionist Rosemary Stewart who died from womb cancer on May 25, 2022.
Amy said: “As we crossed the start line at Race for Life, part of a track from the movie The Greatest Showman was played.
“That was the last movie my mum and I watched together. My mum would have done anything for you. She was bright, sparkly and I miss her so much. I Race for Life for mum, for me and for everyone going through cancer right now.”
Amy, owner of Hub Hairdressing, was diagnosed with Ductal carcinoma in situ, an early breast cancer in October 2023, after first finding a lump in her left breast while packing to go on a family holiday to America.
She had 16 hours of surgery at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in January last year, which included a mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction. It was estimated that Amy would be in hospital for five days but complications meant she was there for five weeks. In total, Amy had six operations. No chemotherapy or radiotherapy was needed and she is now in remission.
Every year, around 34,600 people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland. And Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life events help to raise vital funds which will enable scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer - to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
Over the last 50 years, Cancer Research UK’s work has helped double breast cancer survival in the UK
Air cadets from 161-1st Highland Squadron Air Training Corp volunteered at Race for Life Inverness, giving out well earned medals to all who crossed the finish line.
Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, is a series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.
Now organisers are sending a heartfelt message of thanks to everyone who put their best feet forward in Inverness, as well as their supporters. And they’re appealing for people to make every step count by paying in sponsorship money as soon as possible.
Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK’s spokeswoman in Scotland, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life Inverness.
“No matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for. Sadly nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime*** but all of us can support the research that will beat it. We’re proud that Race for Life has had such a positive impact. Every pound raised supports our life-saving work, which has helped double cancer survival in the UK over the last 50 years.
“It was a fantastic day at Race for Life Inverness, full of emotion, courage, tears, laughter and hope as people celebrated the lives of those dear to them who have survived cancer and remembered loved ones lost to the disease.
“Now we’re asking everyone who took part to return the money they’re raised as soon as possible. Every donation, every pound raised will make a real difference.”
Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, contributing millions of pounds towards life-saving research.
Cancer Research UK funded scientists led the development of the Human Papillomavirus Virus vaccine, which is expected to prevent almost 90 per cent of cervical cancers in the UK. The charity was a key player in the development of radiotherapy which now benefits millions of cancer patients worldwide. Cancer Research UK played a leading role in the development of abiraterone - a drug that gives men with advanced prostate cancer more time with their friends and family.
Andy Curran, chief executive of Standard Life, said: “We are incredibly proud to continue as headline sponsor for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, with the opportunity to encourage participation across the country.
“By working to raise funds for life-saving research, we can move towards a future where people live longer and better lives, free from the fear of cancer.”
To enter, visit raceforlife.org.
