Cancer-free for a decade
Mum Elaine set for Relay For Life
An inspirational East Mains mum will celebrate being 10 years cancer-free at this year’s Relay For Life.
Elaine Rinn is a familiar face at the town’s annual Cancer Research UK fundraiser following her own diagnosis in 2005.
One evening she noticed a small red mark under her bra and went to her GP who referred her to hospital for further examination.
Following a mammogram, scan and biopsy Elaine, who was 41 at the time, was given the heartbreaking news that she had breast cancer.
She said: “Somehow life had to continue as my two sons were only nine and six at the time, but I was devastated by the diagnosis.
“I missed my son Elliot’s seventh birthday while I was in hospital having a lumpectomy and the removal of 18 lymph nodes.”
Months of chemotherapy followed and Elaine was terrified that she would not survive to see her boys grow up.
After six months of chemotherapy she had to undergo weeks of daily radiotherapy and then five long years taking the hormone therapy drug Tamoxifen.
Through this gruelling journey, the brave mum focused on her boys and her desire to see them grow up.
Elaine committed herself to supporting her sons, including working with her son Jamie’s disability football team, Claremont Colts.
In 2015 she won the administrator of the year award at EK Sports Personality Of The Year for her fantastic contribution to the club’s success.
Elaine was finally discharged from hospital in January and will next month celebrate being 10 years clear of cancer.
“I am really looking forward to celebrating more than 10 years clear of cancer at this year’s Relay”, said Elaine.
“As a cancer survivor myself I am proud to be the survivors chairperson for the committee.
“Best of all I’ll have friends, family, other survivors and supporters, and of course my two boys there with me to celebrate.”
On Friday, June 16 East Kilbride will mark 20 years of Cancer Research UK Relay For Life – making it the longest running relay in Scotland.
Hundreds of people from the local community will come together for the 24-hour event at John Wright Sport Centre, most of them taking part because their own lives have been touched by cancer in some way.
Like Elaine, many of them will be survivors who will do a lap of honour to kick off the event.
Others will be carers, family or friends of those fighting this dreadful disease, all hoping they can make a difference in beating cancer sooner.
Cancer still causes more than one in four of all deaths in the UK.
Cancer Research UK invests money raised funding the work of thousands of scientists, doctors and nurses who are dedicated to saving more lives by preventing, controlling and curing all cancers.
This special 20th anniversary year of the hugely popular event could make a massive difference to these efforts and the committee are encouraging everyone to get involved.
The event runs from 7pm on Friday, June 16 until 7pm on June 17.
Teams of between eight and 15 people camp overnight and take turns to walk round the track getting involved in loads of fun games and activities along the way.
If you would like to take part, call 0871 641 2602 or visit cruk.org/relay for more information.