My precious mum was taken from us at the young age of 55. She was dignosed with Lung Cancer and died 6 months later. 

I remember the night the consultant told us (me and my sister) the diagnosis and prognosis. I felt like I couldn't breathe. I went home that night and I just screamed, wanted to smash my flat up! Then I really did think I was having a nightmare and that everything would be fine when I woke up in the morning. I never even slept that night!

Hours just passed, then before I knew it, it was 11am and the lung cancer specialist nurse (from NHS & MacMillan) was on the phone asking me to come to the hospital so we could discuss my Mum's "palliative care". That was it, I knew this was for real and the nightmare was just begining.

My Mum was so brave, she kept us all going, I used to look at her and think - do you actually know whats happening to you. But she knew, just would not show us that she was upset, she put on a brave face (as all mothers do). Most of the time during this illness she kept in great health - it was unbeleivable that this disease was going to kill her.

Four months after dignosis, my Mum's health started to deterioate, she was in hospital for about 4 weeks, then went into a hopsice (St Andrews Hospice in Airdrie). The staff there were like angels in disguise, my Mums last days were so comfortable, and the nurses were great with the family. Eventually this ilness took my Mum from us.

My Mum never got the chance to meet my Daughter Jennifer who was born almost 1 years after she passed. She sent me an angel from heaven.

I love and miss her so much. This is why I'm doing race for life - If I can raise enough to provide basic treatment, like blood tests or even a scan. Or even an hour's care for an end of life patient, then I know my Mum will be looking down, and she will be soooo proud of me.

I always feel so angry when I hear the word cancer, because that is the disease that cheated my Mum of her life. SO NOW IM FIGHTING BACK!!

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