Brave mother starts Race for Life in Wolverhampton
A teacher undergoing chemotherapy treatment is set to inspire thousands of women – when she officially starts a Race for Life event.
Mother Rajvinder Kaur will sound the starter horn for the cancer charity race in Wolverhampton's West Park next week.
And next month she will take part in Himley Hall's 5k Race for Life on July 13 – just three days after her last chemotherapy session for Hodgkins Lymphoma.
The inspirational Miss Kaur has spent the past four months undergoing treatment for Hodgkins Lymphoma, even writing a blog to help family and friends come to terms with the shock diagnosis.
Three weeks of radiotherapy will follow the Himley Hall race before Rajvinder finally finishes her treatment.
The 33-year-old, who is from Wolverhampton and teaches at Thorns Primary School in Brierley Hill, is urging people to join her and raise money for a great cause, Cancer Research UK.
"If it wasn't for research the doctors wouldn't know which treatment was right for me so I feel very fortunate," said Rajvinder who has a three-year-old daughter, Deep.
"Taking part in Race for Life is my way of raising money and awareness as well as giving something back."
Around 2,300 people are expected to walk, jog or run around West Park in next Wednesday's event.
Miss Kaur added: "Everyone is there for the same reason and it makes you realise you're not alone.
"I went to New Cross Hospital for my first scan on New Year's Eve and I remember sitting in the cancer ward thinking this doesn't look good
"I remember sobbing a little because it was a lot to take in but it was also a relief to know the reason I'd been feeling so ill.
"Then I decided I was just going to get through it because I have a three-year-old daughter and her dad and I are all she's got."
Miss Kaur has already raised £400 for Cancer Research UK and hopes to reach her £500 soon.
Paula Young, Cancer Research UK's spokesperson for the West Midlands, said: "We're delighted Rajvinder is joining our army of feisty females who will be helping 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 and also remember those who have been lost to the disease."
