Wirral nurse wants you to run Race For Life (From Wirral Globe)

Wirral nurse wants you to run Race For Life

11:36am Thursday 2nd February 2012 in News By Craig Manning

A PRENTON nurse who was guest of honour at Cancer Research UK's Race for Life last year has faced another round of treatment.

Debbie Taaffe was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in June 2010. She and two of her sisters have tested positive for the deadly BRCA-2 gene.

Debbie has became a well known charity fundraiser in the Wirral and was guest of honour at the Race for Life event last July.

The 48-year-old has faced another seven rounds of chemotherapy after her cancer returned. She is now hoping to be in remission and her hair is growing back.

She plans to take part in Race for Life once again in Birkenhead Park on July 15 and is urging Globe readers to do the same.

Debbie, who works as a paediatric nurse at Arrowe Park Hospital, started to feel exhausted in December 2009.

She was initially diagnosed with gallstones, but the mum-of-three suspected there was something more seriously wrong. When she was eventually diagnosed with cancer, Debbie and her family felt devastated.

But she has remained upbeat and determined to survive the disease which has already killed several members of her family, including her parents, uncle and cousin.

Of an extended family of 15, nine members of the family have all tested positive for the BRCA-2 gene. But Debbie is the only member of the family to have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

She said: “I’m going to keep fighting the cancer with as much positivity as I can every time. It was heartbreaking when the cancer came back so quickly after I’d been treated initially, but there is no point in being negative or feeling sorry for myself.

“I’m now hoping to stay in remission for as long as possible and will definitely be signing up for Race for Life once again.”

Debbie is due to undergo another scan this Thursday, February 9 .

Cancer Research UK Race for Life event manager Katherine Culshaw said: “Debbie continues to be a fantastic ambassador for Cancer Research UK and Race for Life. Her courage and positive attitude are inspiring.”

This year, organisers want 5000 women and girls to put their best foot forward. In the Wirral and help raise £203,000 for vital research.

Last year, 4,400 women took part in Race for Life in Birkenhead Park and raised £184,400.

Katherine Culshaw added: “We know many women want to take part in Race for Life but are worried they won’t be able to complete the course.

“We want to reassure them that Race for Life is not about being fast or fit. Instead, it’s a celebration of sisterhood and hope.”

Money raised through Race for Life helps fund the pioneering work of doctors, nurses and scientists who are fighting cancer on all fronts.

To enter Race for Life visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0871 641 1111.