Breast cancer survivor backs fundraising event

Lauren Moger has undergone chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery

A Nottinghamshire woman who has had surgery and months of treatment for breast cancer has urged people to take part in a fundraising event which she cannot participate in herself due to treatment.

Lauren Moger, from Sutton-in-Ashfield, has a family history of cancer and has previously taken part in the Shine Night Walk.

However, after she was diagnosed last summer she has had chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a double mastectomy, which has left her unable to participate.

The 31-year-old said much of the work of Cancer Research UK, which gave people like her hope, was possible due to public support.

Lauren Moger and friends have previously taken part in the Shine Night Walk

Ms Moger, who has a family history of cancer, had her condition confirmed after she found a lump and was given further tests.

The tests showed she had the BRCA1 genes, which are linked with an increased risk of developing certain cancers.

She is currently waiting for breast implants and while she hopes to return to work soon, she cannot take part Shine, a neon-lit night walk which takes place in 16 British cities including Nottingham.

Ms Moger said: "I'd already made peace with the fact I might have cancer as both my grandmothers and aunt were diagnosed before me.

"The treatment has proved gruelling. But I'm now looking forward to getting back to work and becoming the fun-loving, outgoing and active person I was before I was diagnosed.

"So many success stories like mine are made possible by the work of Cancer Research UK and I've always been a regular donor.

"Advances in research and better treatments mean I'm still here to enjoy more precious time with my loved ones."

'Critical' help

A spokesperson for Cancer Research UK said it spent more than £90,000 in Nottingham last year, including tackling health inequalities in smoking and improving lung cancer diagnosis.

Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the East Midlands, Jane Bullock, said: "We're grateful to Lauren for helping to raise vital awareness.

"Our vision is a world where everybody lives longer, better lives free from the fear of cancer and money raised through events like Shine Night Walk is critical to making this a reality."

Shine in Nottingham is due to take place on 12 September.