Young mother urges people to join in and Stand up to Cancer

A new mother who was diagnosed with cancer when her son was just eight months old is backing a campaign urging people to stand up to the disease.

Shiela Laramore, 33, was diagnosed with aggressive Hodgkin lymphoma on September 23 last year. After chemotherapy and radiotherapy, she was declared cancer free in May.

Mrs Laramore has now been chosen as the face of Scotland’s Stand Up To Cancer campaign, a joint initiative from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4.

Mrs Laramore said: “When I first learnt I had cancer I just sat there thinking, ‘that’s it. I’m going to die.’

“It was very hard to take in and a big shock.

“I kept thinking, ‘Am I going to live to see my baby become a little boy and grow up?

“But I got through cancer and I know research saves lives.

“That’s why I’m giving my heartfelt support to join the rebellion.

“Stand Up To Cancer raises money to speed up more effective treatments for people who really need it.”

Mrs Laramore, an RAF Association welfare officer from Dunbar, East Lothian, was diagnosed after tests on a lump on her neck.

She said: “My cancer was caught in the early stages, which means it was easier to treat, but I’d urge anyone who notices anything out of the ordinary or different about their body that is worrying them to go along to the doctor and get it checked out.”

Since it was launched in the UK in 2012, Stand Up To Cancer has raised more than £38 million to fund more than 40 clinical trials and research projects.

Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK spokeswoman for Scotland, said: “Every hour four people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland, and day after day, dedicated doctors, nurses and scientists work tirelessly to beat the disease.

“We’re on the brink of a revolution in cancer research but we can’t afford to stand still.

“It’s time to rebel against cancer.”