A West Lothian woman told she had breast cancer 20 years after her mother passed away from the same illness has joined hundreds of others at the Capital’s first mass charity drive to fund research into the condition in two years.
Nicole Little was just seven when mum Celine Mason tragically died at the age of 32, only to receive news of the same diagnosis at 27.
The ambulance dispatcher, from Bathgate, is in remission from the condition and joined best friend Kelsey Robertson at Cancer Research UK’s Pretty Muddy obstacle course at the Royal Highland Centre in a bid to raise money for research into a cure.
The event attracted more than 800 participants scrapping through a sodden 5K circuit - raising more than £47,000 for the charity.
Nicole admitted it had been an “emotional” afternoon after crossing the finish line, but said it was worth it to continue work into preventing others from going through similar experiences.
She said: “Losing my mum, as well as my own cancer experience, are not far from my mind today.
“It was very muddy and very wet but we laughed all the way round the course.
“Of course there is a serious side and it has been emotional to be here among so many others who have also experienced cancer or who are remembering a loved one.
“It feels like a really positive way to take action, to play my part and make a difference to the lives of people with cancer.”
The event forms part of the charity’s Race for Life programme, urging fundraisers to take part in a series of 3K-10K events in an effort to raise money for the organisation.
All races were put on ice last year amid the coronavirus pandemic, but returned with a bang to Edinburgh this weekend as part of a socially-distanced day.
Linda Summerhayes, Race for Life spokeswoman in Scotland, said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who made Edinburgh’s Pretty Muddy so special.
“Life saving research is being funded right now thanks to our supporters who fundraise.
“This year, it was particularly wonderful to see Pretty Muddy return to Edinburgh. The atmosphere on the day was hugely moving - full of emotion, courage, tears and laughter as people celebrated the lives of those dear to them who have survived cancer and remembered loved ones lost to the disease.”
