Little Diamond is going on the run for mum
THE son of a nurse who was diagnosed with cancer will go on the run to raise money for the Christie at Macclesfield appeal.
Mum-of-four Annie Diamond, 55, was told she had breast cancer after discovering a small lump in December 2013.
Her son Ed was 10 at the time and, now 18, he will take part in the London Marathon on October 3, aiming to raise £2,000 for the cause.
Ed, who is studying for an extended diploma in sport and coaching, said: “When my Mum and Dad told us about the cancer my immediate emotion was anger and frustration.
“I was very upset and thought I was going to lose my mum. I was only 10 at the time and didn’t really understand cancer, I didn’t know it could be treated.
“The feeling of not knowing why it had happened to my mum and why it had happened to my family was confusing.
“The support the Christie offered mum and the whole family was unrivalled. Doing the London Marathon this year is my way of giving something back and saying thank you.”
Annie, who lives in Whaley Bridge, with her husband Ian, Ed, and three other sons Robert, Alex and Stuart, works for Public Health England.
Following her diagnosis she had initial surgery to remove the lump and was treated with Herceptin with other chemotherapy medication. Annie then underwent a mastectomy in 2014 and reconstructive surgery in 2015 before taking medication to minimise the risk of recurrence.
She said: “The diagnosis was a shock, but I would encourage anyone finding any unusual changes in their breast to seek advice straight away from their doctor.
“Anything that reduces the stress of a cancer diagnosis and its impact for the person themselves and their families helps enormously. Having the Christie at Macclesfield, in Cheshire, will make a big difference.
“I think it’s brilliant that Ed is doing the London Marathon for such a good cause, and training has given him something positive to aim for during the Covid pandemic. I’m really proud of him.”
The Diamond family has raised funds for the Christie over many years. While Annie was recovering, Ian and Robert did the annual Manchester to Blackpool bike ride andshe did it herself, with friends, three years ago and again this year.
To sponsor Ed visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ed-diamond.