A TEACHER who has been taking part in the Race for Life for the last 10 years –including during her own diagnosis of breast cancer –is urging other women to get involved.

Katy Haggart, from Durham, first started taking part in the annual event in aid of Cancer Research UK in 2008.

Little did she know that two years later, aged 26, she would be facing her own diagnosis with the disease after discovering a lump in her left breast.

Miss Haggart, who is assistant headteacher at St Joseph’s Primary School, in Gilesgate, Durham, underwent treatment in 2010, shortly after taking part in her third Race for Life.

As well as taking part in the event each year since, she also organised a run at her school and is planning another one in July.

She said: “Cancer has taught me life is short, and has given me confidence to face new challenges and I’m trying to make the most out of life.

“I fully believe that without the many and varied treatments I have undergone and am still going through I would not be here today. Continued research into treatments for all kinds of cancer is so valuable in the hope for a future cancer-free world.

“I’ll keep doing my part raising whatever money I can and would urge other women in Durham to come together and unite at Race for Life because every participant can help make a real difference and just like me you never know when you might go from being a supporter to a patient.”

The 34-year-old was devastated when she was diagnosed after discovering a lump in June 2010.

“I was sure, being only 26, it must be a cyst,” she said. “But I went to my doctor, who also thought it was nothing, but referred me as an emergency as she thought no-one should have a lump in their breast without knowing what it was.

“Two weeks later I went for an ultrasound, and began to wonder if it was more serious when they also checked my armpit and asked if I had had any family history of breast cancer. I didn’t know at the time that it was in my mother’s family, as my grandmother had been diagnosed with breast cancer in her forties and lost her battle with cancer at the age of 63.

“The doctor said he suspected it could be cancer and took a biopsy, but I had to wait a few days before knowing the outcome. It was a very traumatic time and even more shocking to be told the following week that I did in fact have cancer.”

As well as a lumpectomy and surgery to remove lymph nodes, she had six cycles of chemotherapy, four weeks of radiotherapy and a year on the drug Herceptin – which was developed with help from work by Cancer Research UK scientists.

Lisa Millett, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for the North East, said: “Crucial cancer research is being funded right now thanks to women, just like Katy, running, jogging or walking at Race for Life.

“By following Katy’s lead, and signing up, women can make a real difference in the fight against cancer and help people just like her.” Money raised will help Cancer Research UK scientists and doctors find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease, helping save more lives.”

To enter Durham Race for Life, which takes place on July 1 at St Leonards Sports Fields, and is open to women of all ages and abilities visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.