Jennifer is asking people to put on their trainers and Race for Life for their loved ones
MARKING her 50th birthday on Mothering Sunday has mixed emotions for Devon mum Jennifer Dove.
Two years ago Jennifer was diagnosed with breast cancer having found a lump whilst self-checking in the shower one morning.
Cancer is all too familiar to Jennifer and her family as her mum has been treated twice for breast cancer and the family know how important research is in helping to beat the disease and to raise funds for life-saving research. Her mother-in-law was also treated for breast cancer at the age of 67.
That’s why she and her two daughters, Daisy, 14 and Poppy, 13 took part in Race for Life in Exeter last year and why they are encouraging others to sign up to support the charity’s much- loved events this year.
Jennifer who works as a transcriptionist, said: “Race for Life had such a positive impact on our family after such a traumatic period, it gave us something positive to focus on and work towards.”
Jennifer had surgery in July 2021 and started chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy at the Breast Care and Oncology Department at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital.
Jennifer is eager to raise awareness of the ‘good news stories’ but also wants to remind people the importance of self-checking.
“Had I not found my lump when I did it could be a very different story indeed, so self-checking is vital. I have been spreading the word loud and clear around my friends as it really can save your life.” She said.
Exercise helped her deal with the emotions of having cancer and was keen to get back to fitness both for her physical and mental wellbeing.
She took up the Couch to 5K programme in March 2022 and found that getting out in her own time to clear her head helped her to reach her 5k goal and decided then to sign herself and her daughters up to Race for Life at Westpoint in Exeter that summer.
Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, is an inspiring series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research. This is the 30th year of Race for Life and participants will receive a special medal to mark the milestone.
Every year around 36,300 people are diagnosed with cancer in the South 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.
Jennifer who lives in Exeter with husband Jason and Daisy and Poppy added: “We all have a reason to Race for Life. For me it will be a chance to say thank you and to raise money to help others facing cancer right now.
“I am glad I got to Race for Life and play my part to fund research today which I hope will also help beat cancer for future generations.”
The Race for Life events In Exeter take place at Westpoint, Clyst St Mary on Saturday 15 July and are open to people of all ages and abilities. Women, men and children can choose from 3k, 5k and 10k events. There is also a chance to take part in Pretty Muddy - a mud-splattered obstacle course - and there’s a Pretty Muddy Kids option.
Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in the South West, Alison Birkett, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Jennifer and her family for their support.
“We’d love for as many people as possible across Devon to join us during our 30th year of Race for Life. 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. Together we can bring about a future free from the fear of cancer. So we’re asking people across the region: Who will you Race for?
“Our Race for Life events are open to all. For some people, Race for Life is literally a walk in the park. Slow and steady still wins. For others, it’s a jog. Others may opt to push themselves harder, taking up the challenge of the 10K distance. But what’s for certain is we’re looking forward to welcoming people of all ages and abilities.”
Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, 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.
Chief executive of Standard Life, Andy Curran, said: “We are extremely proud to have been chosen as the headline sponsor of Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life. This sponsorship will help encourage participation and raise funds for life-saving research to help beat cancer.”
To enter, visit raceforlife.org
