Yorkshire Profiles Production Manager, Karen Halliwell, successfully completed the 10k Race for Life at Yorks Knavesmire racecourse on June 22nd 2014. Not only did Karen participate in the races but she also sounded the starting horn after giving an encouraging speech to the crowd of over 3,000 runners who took part.
Karen prepares to start the Race For Life at the Knavesmire in York
The local media picked up on Karen’s story:
“I remember hearing the word cancer and after that I couldn’t take anything else in,” she said.
“I got out of the hospital and literally fell to my knees. I was devastated.”
Weeks later Karen was submitted to St James Hospital in Leeds to undergo major surgery to remove her spleen and almost all of her pancreas.
The full story is available here: York Press
Despite the major surgery Karen was keen to return to work and was back with the company within just a couple of months after making a full recovery.
“I don’t know what’s more terrifying, standing here today (in front of 3,000) or being told that you have cancer. Last August, I was diagnosed with an endocrine tumour. A 7 inch tumour which was attached to my spleen and my pancreas. On the 2nd of October I had that tumour removed with my spleen and my pancreas. Two weeks after being told I had cancer my Son told me he was getting married and I said I don’t think I’m going to be there…”
“But I’m here today and three weeks today my Son gets married and I will be there. When I came out of hospital there was a song out, and that song was Katy Perry you’re going to hear me ‘Roar’. Well come on Ladies, we’re all here today and we’re all going to Roar.”
Karen arrives at the finish line of a 10k race
Karen praises all those who took part in the event at the finish line.
Well done Karen!
