An inspirational ex-patient of The Christie is carrying the Olympic torch through Euxton in Lancashire after being secretly nominated by her husband.

Mel Angold, from Worsley, is carrying the torch on 1^st June as a homage to her husband Chris, family, friends and staff at The Christie where she was treated for breast cancer. As well as looking forward to the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to carry the Olympic torch ahead of this year's games, Mel is celebrating being given the all clear after a six-year battle with breast cancer.

Counting hope, perseverance, dedication and courage as the factors which helped Mel get through her ordeal, she said:

Athletes often talk about hope and determination as the qualities which help them achieve success in their sport. I can honestly say the same mind-set has helped me over the last few years to finally kick cancer. I believe that without those feelings of positivity, I wouldn't be here now. I'm one of the lucky ones and I won't forget that. People can be given the chance to beat cancer and lead a normal life again like I do now."

Mel, who was the British champion of women's taekwondo in 1996, is one of 8,000 torchbearers who have been given the privilege to carry the torch on its 8000 mile route across the British Isles.

May 2012 saw the six-year anniversary of Mel's cancer diagnosis which she received just five months after getting married and only ten weeks away from qualifying as a teacher. Mel bravely faced treatments of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and medication to help her on her way to recovery. Although she received several scares along the way, Mel was told the good news that she was all clear in April 2012.

In order to thank the specialist cancer centre for the treatment and care she has received, Mel has raised over £50,000 for The Christie charity from sporting events and functions such as black tie balls, raffles and auctions, running the New York and Berlin marathons and walking the Edinburgh 26 Mile Moonwalk. Mel said:

"I knew there was more to life than being diagnosed with cancer. I wanted to keep busy and also assure those closest to me that I was still Mel and not ready to let cancer control me."

For Mel, it was a tough decision to follow her dreams with a career in the police rather than pursue a path in athletics but she continued to practice and compete in taekwondo, running and long jump. When Mel was in Berlin for the marathon in September 2011, she revisited the 1936 Olympic stadium which she had previously seen as a 14 year old on a school trip, she said:

"As a teenager, I can remember feeling such a buzz about being in the stadium where the Olympics and Jesse Owens had been, I'd always wanted to go back. When Chris and I visited the stadium together again last year, I was excited about returning to such a historic place where so many dreams had come true that had inspired me as a sporty teenager.

"Chris must have loved it too because by this time he'd already nominated me as a torchbearer so to see me like a giddy school girl would have been quite entertaining for him! When I received the email asking me to confirm my nomination story, I was bowled over - I felt like this would be my chance to finally be part of the Olympics."

"It feels like this is a fairy-tale ending to the whole journey."

Since completing her treatment, Mel has begun a line in bespoke jewellry; her plans for her new venture include designing a range specifically for The Christie and its supporters. Mel said:

"The range is part of my legacy with The Christie; the place and its people have encouraged me to look after myself and my future."

Mel's husband Chris said:

"During the last few years Mel has shown an Olympic spirit which would not be extinguished. She has inspired a whole host of people who have realised that cancer can affect anyone, but knows that with determination and hope anything is possible, including carrying the Olympic torch."

Howard Newhall of The Christie charity said; "Mel is not only one of our most dedicated fundraisers but also a dear friend. Her story is an inspiration and we are so grateful for her and Chris' fantastic and continued support."

Notes to editors:

• Mel's relay is on the morning of Friday 1^st June at around 8.00am and she will be greeted by supporters along Southport Road, Balshaw Lane Railway Station and Wigan Road in Euxton, Lancs.
• Please contact us for further photographs.

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