VIDEO: Doncaster cancer survivor to get muddy at Race For Life

A Doncaster cancer survivor is set for a mudpack with a difference as she continues in her fight against the disease at this year’s Race for Life Pretty Muddy.
Julie Hughes.Julie Hughes.
Julie Hughes.

Jill Hughes, 45, who works at Doncaster Royal Infirmary as a colorectal nurse specialist with cancer patients, was forced to face her own battle with the disease when she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in July 2013.

The mum of two, from Hatfield Woodhouse, took part in last year’s Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life at Clumber Park and is back again this time as a guest of honour at the Pretty Muddy event in York on Saturday July 4.

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Jill, who was diagnosed just three weeks after taking part in Race for Life in 2013, said: “It was a terrible shock when I was diagnosed with cancer, I couldn’t believe it was happening to me, but I think my practical mind just took over.”

Julie Hughes.Julie Hughes.
Julie Hughes.

Jill, who was extremely fit and well at the time, had a pain in her left breast and on self-examination found a lump the size of an egg.

She went to see her GP and was immediately referred for tests at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, the same hospital that she works at every day with cancer patients.

It was here that Jill and her husband Karl were given the devastating news that she had breast cancer.

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Just nine days later she had surgery to have a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy.

Unfortunately Jill was node positive so five weeks later she had to return for a second operation to clear the lymph nodes under her arm.

In October that same year Jill had four and a half months of intensive chemotherapy treatment and completed her treatment in February 2014 with a month of radiotherapy.

Jill, who is in remission and goes for annual checkups, said: “Taking part in Race for Life 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. I’m determined to help others by raising money so Cancer Research UK can ensure even more people survive.”

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Every day 78 people are diagnosed with cancer in Yorkshire*. And that’s why Cancer Research UK is calling on women across the region to fight back against this devastating disease by signing up to Race for Life now.

Philippa Sharpe, Cancer Research UK’s York Events Manager, said: “Race for Life events are not competitive. They are not about being fit or fast. It’s about an army of women standing shoulder-to-shoulder in the fight against cancer. Every single one of our participants is so inspiring and we want 2015 to our best year yet.”

To enter Race for Life today go to raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.