Lung cancer victim Christine Haggerty hopes to enter Relay for Life (From Essex County Standard)

Lung cancer victim Christine Haggerty hopes to enter Relay for Life

11:00am Thursday 6th September 2012 in News

INSPIRATIONAL Christine Haggerty will be happy if she can complete just one lap of a charity race.

Christine, 69, was diagnosed with lung cancer in June last year, having beaten breast cancer six years earlier.

Knowing she now has just weeks to live, Christine is selflessly dedicating her final days to promoting Cancer Research UK’s Relay for Life.

Christine, who has been staying at St Helena Hospice in Colchester, said: “I just want to give something back to Cancer Research UK, because without it I would be long gone.

“I’m looking forward to taking part, even if my family have to push me around in a wheelchair.”

The Relay for Life takes places at Alton Park Junior School, Clacton, on Saturday, September 15. It starts at noon and the relay lasts for 24 hours.

Christine, of Thorpe Road, Clacton, will complete the Survivors’ Lap of Honour, where cancer survivors walk a lap of the circuit.

She said the event will be a celebration of life.

Christine, a member of the Relay for Life organising committee, said: “I was diagnosed two days before last year’s relay.

“I didn’t know what had hit me.

“The effect cancer can have on people can be devastating for the whole family.

“But I was surrounded by people in the same position – it makes a tremendous difference.”

Lisa Haggerty, Christine’s daughter, will be among the family members making sure she can take part in the relay.

She said: “She only has a limited amount of time, but she keeps defying the odds.”

The Relay for Life will also feature boot throwing, crockery smashing, cake stalls and live music.

To take part in the Relay for Life or make a donation to the charity, visit www.relay.cancer researchuk.org and search for Clacton.