A primary school teacher feared she would never get pregnant following her cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Hannah Lynch, from Irlam, underwent intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, and doctors warned her that treatment could make her infertile.
She was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer, aged 25, after discovering a lump in her left breast whilst in the shower.
Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features.
Although not initially concerned, Hannah visited her GP, who thought it could be hormonal because of her young age. But after insisting on a scan, she received the devastating diagnosis.
“When I was told I had cancer, I just burst into tears. My mum and dad were with me and they broke down too. It was the worst day of mine and my family’s life," the 29-year-old said.
“I immediately asked if I was going to die. Then I thought about how I’d lose my hair, I loved my long blonde hair, it was my crown."
Before Hannah underwent surgery to remove an 8cm tumour, followed by an intensive course of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapy at The Christie, she received even more devastating news. Doctors warned the treatment would make her infertile.
Hannah said: “Then the worst part came. My partner Cameron and I had recently decided to try for a baby and they said I needed to prepare for the fact that I may never be able to have children, as the treatment was likely to make me infertile. This felt worse than the news that I had cancer.”
But to her amazement, shortly after she was given the all clear, Hannah, along with partner, Cameron, also 29, welcomed their “miracle baby” Billie, now 18-months-old, into the world.
“I had my eggs frozen and had to accept that we may never have kids. But then, just as I had the all clear, I found out I was pregnant. It was quite a surprise, she’s our little miracle.”
Now in remission with annual check-ups, Hannah says she owes her life to Cancer Research UK, who’s scientists helped develop four chemotherapy drugs she was treated with.
That’s why she will be completing the Race for Life 5K on Sunday (July 2) as a VIP guest at Cancer Research UK’s flagship in the North West Event.
Hannah will sound the starter horn at the event in Manchester’s Heaton Park on Sunday July 2 where more than 7000 people have signed up for Race for Life events at Heaton Park. Over the weekend it’s hoped they will raise around £374,000 for Cancer Research UK. The money raised will help enable scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer - helping to save more lives.
This is the 30th year of Race for Life and participants will receive a medal to mark the milestone. The event has an extra special meaning for Hannah as it will kick start her birthday celebrations as she turns 30 later this year.
Participants on Sunday will be able to warm-up for the events with a familiar face when Mr Motivator takes to the stage.
He has become a Race for Life ally after losing a close friend to prostate cancer, he said: “I’m thrilled to be supporting this year’s Race for Life, getting bodies moving and grooving to raise much-needed funds for Cancer Research UK!
"With multiple people close to me being affected by cancer, I’m proud to be playing my part in raising money for life-saving research. I led a warm-up at one of the first Race for Life events in the 90s, so this feels very nostalgic and celebrating this special occasion is an absolute joy! So, come on gang, sign up for the Race for Life… and say YEAH! Let’s do this!”
Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in the North West, Jane Bullock said: “This weekend at Heaton Park looks set to be amazing with a staggering number of participants.
“Our Race for Life events are open to all. For some people, Race for Life is literally a walk in the park. Slow and steady still wins. For others, it’s a jog. Others may opt to push themselves harder, taking up the challenge of the 10K distance. But what’s for certain is we’re looking forward to welcoming people of all ages and abilities.
“We are incredibly grateful to Hannah Lynch for her support and honoured that she has chosen Race For Life to kick start her 30th birthday celebrations.”
To donate click here.
