An inspirational mum kicked off the first of Cancer Research's annual challenges in Edinburgh this weekend
A courageous mum led the charge against cancer at the first Scottish Race for Life event of the year.
Sarah Glendinning was chosen to sound the horn and send more than 1,000 Scots on the 5K and 10K courses at Hopetoun House, South Queensferry this weekend to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK.
Glendinning was cheered on by her children Kairan, six, and Jaimie, four, her partner Michael Bell, 43, and his daughter Madyson, nine, who have all stood by her every step of the way during the toughest 12 months of her life.
The 35-year-old was diagnosed with breast cancer 12 months ago. “My first thought was, I can't die - I've got kids,” she said.
"It was a complete shock when they told me I had cancer. Now almost exactly a year on, I'm clear of cancer and doing well thanks to research. Cancer is one of the toughest things you'll ever face in your life. The more money that goes in to research, the more chance there is of beating it."
Just 24 hours before going through chemotherapy treatment, Glendinning and friends raised more than £4,000 for Cancer Research UK by taking part in Race for Life Edinburgh last June. That's why it was an emotional moment for her to return to the startline and share her story with Heart Scotland breakfast DJ Robin Galloway, who was presenter at Race for Life Hopetoun House.
The mum first visited her GP after discovering a lump in her left breast. Tests later showed she had cancer in both breasts. Genetic testing also revealed she has a faulty version of the BRCA2 gene. Women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation have a 45 to 65% chance of developing breast cancer by the age of 70.
Ailsa Bagnall, aged 12, of Edinburgh who is a member of Corstorphine running club, was the first person home in the 5K Race for Life Hopetoun House, completing the course in just 24 minutes 54 seconds - accompanied by her spaniel dog, Whisky.
The 10K event saw Catherine McKelvie, aged 33, of Edinburgh over the line in 45 minutes 45 seconds - just a year after the birth of her son, Finn.
Race for Life spokeswoman Lisa Adams said: "We'd like to thank our VIP starter Sarah and everyone who came along to make Race for Life Hopetoun House so special.
"Sadly, most of us know someone whose life has been touched by cancer. But thanks to the huge progress that has been made in the fight against the disease, more people in Scotland are surviving cancer than ever before. Our aim is that one day everyone will beat cancer. The more research we can fund, the sooner that day will come."
