Retired teacher Margaret Duffy has overcome both ovarian and breast cancer.
A brave grandmother has been chosen to help launch World Cancer Day in Scotland after twice overcoming the disease.
Margaret Duffy, 78, will watch with pride as the Scottish Power headquarters building – workplace of her daughter Marise Nelson - is lit up in pink and blue on Tuesday 4 February in support of all those with cancer and in memory of loved ones.
The illumination of the Glasgow office block will mark the partnership between Scottish Power and Cancer Research UK. The energy provider has raised over £25 million for the charity through a variety of initiatives and events including sponsorship of Race for Life, Stand Up To Cancer, employee and supplier fundraising, as well as creating bespoke “Help Beat Cancer” energy tariffs.
Margaret, a retired English teacher, knows just how important research is to give families more time with their loved ones. After successful treatments for ovarian and breast cancer, she’s urging Scots to wear a Unity Band on World Cancer Day to show solidarity with those affected by the disease.
The wristbands are available in all Cancer Research UK shops and online for a suggested donation of £2, with all proveeds going towards the charity’s life-saving research.
Margaret said: “Almost a miracle, that’s what it felt like when a scan showed that I was finally clear of ovarian cancer.
“The ovarian tumour had been 5cm in size when it was diagnosed and I had chemotherapy, surgery then when the cancer came back twice more chemotherapy. I have a wonderful family, kind and supportive friends but it felt frightening. My love of life kept me going and it wasn’t until years later when I was told I had breast cancer that for the first time I actually thought I might die from cancer.
“Now I’m through cancer again I feel like I’ve been given a second chance. It’s thanks to research I’m still here today. I want everyone across Scotland to show their support on World Cancer Day and help Cancer Research UK to tackle this devastating disease. Just by wearing a Unity Band we can all make a real difference to people with cancer.”
Margaret was prescribed breast cancer drug Herceptin as part of her treatment. The drug was developed in part thanks to funding from Cancer Research UK.
With four Scots being diagnosed with cancer every hour, the charity is urging everyone to come together on World Cancer Day to raise money and save lives.
Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK spokeswoman for Scotland, said: “We’d like to thank Margaret, Marise and family for their support and for showing how important it is for everyone to wear a Unity Band on World Cancer Day.
“Our research has played a role in developing eight of the world’s top 10 cancer drugs and we’re working every day to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease. But we can’t do it alone.”
