Cheshire breast cancer survivor urging all to Race for Life

But after undergoing several rounds of chemotherapy treatment, Tabby has celebrated her 30th birthday having made a full recovery.

She is now keen to urge as many people as possible to sign up for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life events, having taken part in such a fundraiser during her recovery.

Tabby Duff was just 26 when she faced a breast cancer diagnosis.

Tabby, from Frodsham, was given the devastating news alone as she was diagnosed in the middle of the pandemic.

Tabby, who works in content marketing in Manchester, found a small lump on her right breast in October 2020. Being so young and with no family history of cancer, Tabby never dreamt the lump could be anything serious and assumed it was a hormonal cyst.

She was referred by her GP for a biopsy and mammogram. Just weeks later, she was shocked to be told she had stage two breast cancer.

Due to Covid restrictions, Tabby was given the news on her own. But became so upset and unable to absorb what was being said to her, that her mum was allowed into the consultation room.

Tabby Duff during her chemotherapy treatment.

Following the initial shock, Tabby decided she would only cope with the diagnosis and treatment by remaining positive. She started a blog about her journey and thanks to social media became friends with other women her own age facing a breast cancer diagnosis.

The former Helsby High School pupil, who now lives in Trafford with her boyfriend, had seven rounds of chemotherapy over four months which made her hair fall out. She underwent surgery to have her right breast removed and implant reconstruction.

Tabby had her treatment at The Clatterbridge Centre in the Wirral.

Tabby Duff during her chemotherapy treatment.

She is now fit, well and looking forward to celebrating being three years cancer free in June. Tabby continues to receive hormone therapy and an annual mammogram.

While Tabby was recovering, she raised money for Cancer Research UK by taking part in Race for Life at Delamere Forest.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, is an inspiring series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.  

Following her own experience, Tabby knows exactly how vital it is to raise funds for life-saving research. Money raised will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancers – moving closer to a world where everyone can live longer, better lives.  

Tabby Duff is urging as many people as possible to take part in Race for Life.

Tabby said: “The day I was given the diagnosis, I felt completely numb and almost like I was outside of my body, watching my world crumbling apart from a distance.

“The first thing I asked the doctor was 'am I going to die?' as I just couldn’t comprehend being so young and facing a cancer diagnosis.

“My family and my boyfriend were amazing. I couldn’t have got through the treatment without them.

"They were so supportive, but the news was a huge shock for them. And they maybe struggled more than I did as once I’d got my head around the diagnosis, I went into survival mode. But for my family the journey was hard to deal with as they felt quite powerless as there wasn’t anything they could do.

“Taking part in Race for Life was such an empowering experience. It was amazing to read everyone’s back signs and there was a real sense of camaraderie.”

Now fit, well and looking forward to three years cancer free, Tabby Duff is calling on people to help raise money for Cancer Research UK.

People of all ages and abilities are welcome to take part in Race for Life, held in the Wirral, Tatton Park, Warrington, Delamere Forest and Chester. Mums, dads, sons, daughters, grandparents and friends can choose from 3k, 5k or 10K events. There are also Pretty Muddy events – the 5k mud-splattered obstacle course with a Pretty Muddy Kids option.

Jane Bullock, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in the North West, said: “We are so grateful to Tabby for her support and know her story will make an impact on everyone who hears it.  

“No matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for. Sadly nearly one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime.

"Race for Life has the power not only to transform lives, but to save them. We’re proud that Race for Life has already helped double survival rates in the UK.   

 “We’d love for as many people as possible across the North West and beyond to join us at Race for Life. There is an event for everyone and we mean everyone. Walk, jog, run or take on the course however it suits best. It’s a chance to feel the power of moving together with fellow Race for Lifers and to treasure that moment of crossing the finish line.  

“Whether people are living with cancer, are taking part in honour of or in memory of a loved one with the disease, or are in it for the medals or just for the fun of fundraising, there is a place for everyone.”  

To celebrate spring, supporters can claim their discount as part of a special sale between until Monday, April 29 by using the code 24SPRING. 

Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, funding 30 years of hope and progress. Money raised has helped develop radiotherapy which benefits more than 130,000 people with cancer in the UK every year.

Cancer Research UK funded scientists led the development of the human papillomavirus virus vaccine, which is expected to prevent almost 90 per cent of cervical cancers in the UK. The charity also funded many large clinical trials looking at the effectiveness of the drug tamoxifen and the research shaped the way the drug is used to treat breast cancer today.  

Andy Curran, chief executive of Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, said: “We are incredibly proud to continue as headline sponsor for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, with the opportunity to encourage participation across the country. 

“By working to raise funds for life-saving research, we can move towards a future where people live longer and healthier lives, free of cancer.” 

To enter, visit raceforlife.org.