Brave Debbie hopes to inspire runners

When Debbie Coulson set out on her first Race for Life, she never dreamed that a year later she would be battling breast cancer herself.

In fact, little could the brave mother-of-two ever imagine she would be struck by the disease twice.

But the 48-year-old from Stafford did find herself battling breast cancer on two occasions in less than 12 months. However, in the face of adversity, she remained positive and has taken part in Cancer Research UK's annual fundraising event four times, in her bid to "put into the pot that saved my life twice".

Debbie, who is urging women to sign up for this year's Race for Life, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2004 after noticing a lump on her left breast.

She underwent surgery to remove the tumour at Staffordshire General Hospital, followed by five months of gruelling chemotherapy treatment.

She made a good recovery, yet during a routine check-up 11 months later, another lump was discovered in Debbie's left breast and she underwent further surgery to have the lump removed.

This was followed by another five months of chemotherapy and four weeks of radiotherapy. "When I was first told I had breast cancer I couldn't believe what I was hearing," said Debbie, who has two daughters and two granddaughters.

"I was in complete and utter shock," said Debbie, who lives with partner Steve, "but I was surprisingly strong first time round."

But she was certainly not prepared for the second bombshell in October 2005.

"It was devastating to be told I had another lump and have to face yet more treatment after having gone through it all once before," she said.

"Thankfully I have a close network of family and friends who have been a tremendous support and really helped me get through this.

"I've also had fantastic support from the team at the Hospital. Everybody there was excellent and I can't praise them enough for all their hard work and dedication.

"Healthwise I'm feeling better but admit I do get tired easily and don't have as much energy as I used to," said Debbie, who has a health check every six months.

"Although it has been difficult at times, I feel it is very important to stay as positive as possible," says the pre-school nursery office assistant. "I entered my first Race for Life in 2003 to support a colleague who had cancer. I never dreamed that I would one day rely on cancer research to save my life.

Debbie will be doing her fifth Race for Life at Shugborough in July with family and friends. "I want to urge as many women as possible to join me by signing up to take part in Race for Life this year."

Stafford Race for Life event organiser, Helen Wright, said: "Debbie is a fantastic ambassador for Race for Life. We hope women across the region will be spurred on by her."