She ran the Race for Life in Huddersfield to help people suffering from cancer.
But Rachel Titherington only found out later that she herself had cancer and has spent the past 12 months battling it.
Now the brave Crosland Moor cancer survivor is fighting back against the disease by again entering Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life and will be the guest of honour at the first of two 5k Race for Life events in Huddersfield on Sunday, July 13.
Rachel, 25, is urging mums, daughters, sisters and friends to join her and the formidable army of passionate women determined to take on cancer by entering a Race for Life 5k event at the Leeds Road playing fields.
Rachel, who works in graphic design and marketing, was diagnosed last year with Hodgkin lymphoma- a cancer of the lymphatic system- just weeks after completing her first ever Race for Life.
It was June 2013 when Rachel first found a lump on her neck and she went to see her GP thinking that she would need antibiotics to clear it up. But when Rachel was referred for tests at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary she says it came as a huge shock.
“Last year when I did Race for Life I had already found the lump in my neck, but was awaiting my referral for further tests - it was so strange to be at the event and all the time thinking that I might have cancer myself. It was a really supportive atmosphere and I thoroughly enjoyed taking part.”
In August Rachel underwent surgery to have the lump removed at Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax and following the surgery received the devastating news that she had Hodgkin lymphoma.
She then began six months of chemotherapy treatment at the young adult unit at St James’s University Hospital in Leeds. Midway through this treatment scans showed that Rachel had lumps in her neck, chest, pelvis and stomach but fortunately the treatment was working to reduce them.
She completed her treatment in January this year and was given the all clear. She continues to go for checkups every three months to make sure the cancer hasn’t returned.
She added: “Taking part in Race for Life this year is my way of hitting cancer where it hurts. I’m so grateful for the research that’s helped me and now I want to help others by supporting Cancer Research UK’s work.”
Research has led to an improved understanding of the biology and causes of cancer. This in turn has led to discovering better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease - all helping to save lives.
Philippa Sharpe, Cancer Research UK’s Huddersfield events manager, said: “We’re calling on an army of feisty females like Rachel to help us stop cancer in its tracks. Race for Life events are not competitive. They are not about being fit or fast. Instead, they are an amazing way to celebrate life but also remember those who have been lost to the disease.
“Participants may be walking or running but what’s inescapable is the power and strength that comes from thousands of women joining together to confront cancer.”
To enter Race for Life’s 5k, 10k or Pretty Muddy events in Yorkshire visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050.
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