A WOMAN battling gruelling breast cancer treatment is embarking on a series of fundraising challenges to raise money for a charity close to her heart.
Sandra Barrett, 48, was devastated when she was diagnosed with grade three breast cancer last March but, despite having to undergo six months of chemotherapy and five weeks of radiotherapy at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, Sandra resolved to turn her challenge into something positive.
Despite a difficult year in which she has battled hair loss, fatigue and sickness, Sandra, from Chester, tasked herself with three fundraising challenges to raise £3,000 for the Clatterbridge centre, which offers the most up-to-date treatment for cancer patients and offers life-changing support services.
Incredibly, at the same time she was undergoing the draining treatment, Sandra was tirelessly training for the Nantwich Triathlon, which she will take part in next month, practising for a 50-mile bike ride, Ride of the Roses at the end of September, and the ultimate challenge – cycling from Vietnam to Cambodia next year.
She will attempt the feat in February 2013 with her friend Elaine by her side, as they cycle 95km a day for 10 days.
Sandra said she was determined to give something back to the Clatterbridge charity, even though her family and friends think she’s mad.
“Every penny I raise will benefit the patients and families at Clatterbridge and I want to give as much back as I possibly can to thank them for saving my life,” she said.
“It has been a tough year, losing my hair, feeling sick and completely drained, I’ve never felt so scared but was determined to put on a brave face because I didn’t want anybody, especially my family, to know how tough it was.
“When I had to go to Clatterbridge for treatment I’d get a lift there in the morning and then cycle the eighteen miles home. I needed to, to keep me sane. In my head I would say to myself ‘if I’m fit enough to cycle 18 miles a day after treatment I’m fit enough to beat cancer.”
Sandra, who used to participate in triathlons before her diagnosis, added: “I don’t know what I would have done without my supportive family, amazing friends and incredible medical staff at Clatterbridge.
“Our lives were turned upside down with this cancer diagnosis, but we pulled together and made it through. Now I’m feeling much better, my first scan was good and it will be five years before I’m given the ‘all clear’, but I’m feeling positive. I’ve been one of the lucky ones.”
To donate to Sandra’s fund, visit www.justgiving.com/sandra-barrett or call The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity on 0151 482 7948.
