A young cancer patient from Rochdale is preparing to join the 35,000 other participants for this year's Bupa Great Manchester Run on Sunday 16th May to raise money for The Christie.

24 year old Lisa Clough, who had a brain tumour when she was six years old, was diagnosed with breast cancer just before Christmas in 2008.

She said; "I'd only just got engaged to my fiancé Anthony, Christmas was approaching, we have a little girl Isabelle who's only four, so the news came as a complete and utter blow. To have had and beaten cancer once, only to be faced with it again was just devastating.

"The cancer was of a high grade, which meant there was more danger of the tumour growing and spreading, so I was told I'd need to have a mastectomy immediately and before Christmas. But I thought what if something happens in surgery - this could be my last Christmas with my family, so I chose to wait until January to have it done."

Lisa was then treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy at The Christie's teenage cancer unit. The award winning unit is one of only ten dedicated cancer units in the country providing specialist care and facilities for young people between 16 and 24 years of age.

She said; "The care I received was just outstanding. It was such a difficult time for me and all my family - you just assume the worst when you hear cancer.

"But The Christie was a home from home and the staff have all been so lovely - you feel like they're your family.

"I have check ups every three months but I've finished treatment now and I'm in remission. I'm now just waiting to have reconstructive surgery because of the mastectomy.

"Taking part in the Great Manchester Run for The Christie means so much to me. The staff there have saved my life and have given me a future. This is the least I can do."

Thousands of participants have run for The Christie since the Great Manchester Run was launched in 2003, but this is the first time it has been selected as the main local charity. Money raised will help The Christie fund cancer research and extra patient services.

Head of sporting events at the Christie charity, Jenny Haskey, said; "Registration for the run is now open, but places do go quickly so do act now to avoid disappointment. Visit www.greatrun.org and we'd be delighted if you choose The Christie as your chosen charity. All the money raised will help cancer patients now and in the future."

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