A Wirral cancer survivor who 'lives each day as if it's her last' will be guest of honour at a fundraising event to help fight the disease next month.
Sarah Griffiths will sound the horn to set the runners off at the start of Race for Life at Sefton Park on July 10. All funds raised by participants will be used to help Cancer Research UK's vital work.
Sarah, 34, from Prenton, was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer in 2019 after a tumour "the size of a peach" was discovered.
The cancer had spread to her lymph nodes and she underwent major bowel surgery as well as six months of chemotherapy to treat it.
A routine follow-up scan in April last year revealed the cancer had returned in the form of a nodule in her lung. Sarah (pictured, above, by Julie Lomax) again had surgery to remove the lump, which was a success.
Last month Sarah had the results she had been waiting for when a CT scan showed no sign of the cancer. Now in remission she will have six monthly blood tests and annual scans to check for recurrence.
To mark the milestone Sarah will be joined by 19 of her family and friends at the Race For Life in Sefton Park on July 10.
Sarah Griffiths, pictured with family and friends, will sound the horn to set the runners off at the start of Race for Life at Sefton Park on July 10. Picture: Julie Lomax
It was during chemotherapy that she began closely following Dame Deborah, known online as Bowel Babe, and has vowed to continue her campaign to raise awareness of bowel cancer in Merseyside.
Dame Deborah has been raising awareness of the disease since being diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in 2016. Now receiving end of life care at home The You, Me, The Big C podcast host has raised more than £6.7million for Cancer Research UK.
Sarah said it's thanks to Dame Deborah for being so open and honest about her diagnosis that has made it easier for people like her to talk about living with bowel cancer.
Sarah, 34, who lives with partner Bryan, said: "I feel so lucky to be alive. I have been following Bowel Babe's story since my treatment began. She's a true inspiration and so strong.
"My attitude to life has changed, I try not to worry about things and truly believe we only live once, and we should live each day as if it's our last."
Sarah ringing the bell at end of cancer treatment with partner Bryan
Every year around 44,900 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West and one in two people in the UK born after 1960 will get cancer in their lifetime.
Money raised at Race for Life enables scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer - helping to save more lives.
Sarah said: "My grandad was diagnosed with bowel cancer before he died, he was 81 when he passed away.
"It was while I was having my treatment so I couldn't say goodbye to him. Most people think that bowel cancer only happens to older people, but I want this to stop and for people to realise that anyone can get it and at any age.
"I have scars all over my body, but I feel lucky and it’s because of all the research and the tests that I have survived.
"Race For Life will mark a year since my treatment ended and last month I had my first clear scan in three years, so it’s time to celebrate."
Jemma Humphreys, Cancer Research UK's spokesperson in the North West, said: "We are incredibly grateful to Sarah for her support. Sadly, cancer affects all of us in some way.
"Whether people are living with cancer, taking part in honour of or in memory of a loved one with cancer, or signing up to protect their own children’s future, everyone has a reason to Race for Life.
"So we're asking people across the region: 'Who will you Race for?'"
Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, raises funds for world-class research to help beat 200 types of cancer – including bowel cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, testicular cancer, brain cancer, children’s cancers and leukaemia.
"Oonagh Turnbull, head of health campaigns at Tesco, said: "This will be our 21st year in partnership with Cancer Research UK and Race for Life and we hope this year can be the biggest yet."
To enter, visit www.raceforlife.org
To donate, visit: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/team/sarahs-team-2228
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