A WOMAN from Droitwich will run the London Marathon to celebrate the anniversary of being 10 years cancer free.
Mum of two, Louise Hird was diagnosed with stage 2 Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in February 2008 – when she was 36 weeks pregnant with her son.
The news meant Mrs. Hird had no choice but to have her son by delivered through a surgical incision in the mother's abdomen and uterus before starting six months of chemotherapy treatment.
Mrs. Hird said: “I was frightened and scared – more than I could ever describe. My husband and I were about to be parents for the first time, and I was told I had cancer.”
The 38 year old raised £1,754 for the Ladybird Trust and wanted to mark the anniversary “in a big way”.
The trust, founded by Dr Jennifer Kelly in memory of her daughter, aims to raise awareness and research grants.
Grace Kelly was just 4 years old when she passed away from a malignant rhabdoid tumour, an aggressive form of cancer.
Mrs Hird said: “My son chose to raise money for the GKLT a couple of years ago, and I have supported the charity ever since. He has even been for a couple of short runs with me.
She said training has gone well for the marathon. “I have been putting in some long runs - getting up to 20 miles and have covered around 275 miles since January.
“My husband Anthony and my children Jacob and Jessica have been totally supportive of me, even following me in the car towards the end of long training runs, cheering me with homemade flags and banners.”
Mr Hird said he had “no concerns whatsoever” about his wife finishing the marathon.
“We are all incredibly proud of Louise. Her ability to accomplish any goal when she sets her mind to it, constantly amazes and inspires me.”
To make a donation visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/LouiseHird1
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