Mum-of-two in fundraising drive for cancer charity (From York Press)

Mum-of-two in fundraising drive for cancer charity

8:02am Friday 13th January 2012 in News By Jennifer Bell, jennifer.bell@thepress.co.uk

A MOTHER-OF-TWO who suffered a “massive shock” when diagnosed with a rare type of cancer during her second pregnancy is taking part in this year’s York 10k to raise cash to help other sufferers of the disease.

Helen Hutchison, 33, will join thousands of runners, walkers and joggers for the city’s annual Run For All event on Sunday, August 5.

The IT manager, from Cawood, who also runs her own photography business, hopes to raise cash for Bone Cancer Research Trust after being diagnosed with cartilage cancer four years ago while pregnant with daughter Isobel.

Helen said it was during a routine scan that an anomaly was discovered on her ribs.

She said: “Although there was initially a low level of concern around this, while I was in hospital being induced, I lobbied for further investigations. I had Isobel on the Sunday and a CT scan on the Monday.

“Within two hours I was advised that in fact I had a tumour on my rib and would be referred for biopsy. After two weeks this was confirmed as being chondrosarcoma (cartilage cancer), which is extremely rare.”

Major surgery followed to remove two ribs and the tumour.

Helen said: “This would be a challenging time at any point in anyone’s life, however, being only 29 at the time and having a newborn and a toddler, it came as a massive shock and although the treatment was fairly immediate, it took me a couple of years to fully come to terms with what had happened.”

Helen found out about the Bone Cancer Research Trust through a friend and said the workers were fantastic and a great source of support and information.

It will be the second time Helen has completed the York event – now in its fourth consecutive year – and she also took part in the city’s mini run with Isobel, three, and son Arran, five, last year.

Helen said: “I absolutely love York and it will be great to race such a scenic route.” She is encouraging other people to sign up.

“Ten kilometres is a brilliant distance and is achievable for anyone. With a big turnout and a great atmosphere, there are no barriers to participation. It’s a great event and everyone should try it once – you might just get the bug.”

The York run, which helps raise cash for The Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Martin House Hospice and Macmillan Cancer, along with new partner charities, St Leonard’s Hospice and Bone Cancer Research Trust, has raised £500,000 to date.

Details of this year’s event together with registration forms are available at forallevents.co.uk