Walking tall to raise hope

WALKING tall: Kimberly Aspin

A ROYTON woman set to undergo cancer treatment at the same time as her mother will pound the pavements on Saturday to raise funds for the Christie Hospital.

Kimberly Aspin (24), from Brendon Hills, Royton, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer last month following an operation to remove a lump in her neck.

She is due back at Christie’s, in Manchester, for three days of radioactive iodine treatment at the end of September, the same time that her mum Christine Aspin (50) is finishing her third bout of chemotherapy treatment for ovarian cancer.

But before then, Kimberly plans to take part in the 10k Walk of Hope event to raise funds for the world-renowned cancer centre.

Kimberly, a care worker at Spring Meadows Children’s Centre, said: “I’ve taken part in fundraising events like the Race for Life before but I signed up for the Walk of Hope in April because a few girls at work were doing it.

“Three months later, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

“The fact that my mum and I are both being treated at Christie makes it more important to raise money. My mum is doing really well and she will be cheering me along on the day.”

Kimberly first visited doctors after feeling unwell in February with a bad chest and throat.

Further investigation found she had a lump in her neck which, along with glands in her neck, were removed in July. As well as daily medication, the iodine treatment at the Christie will ensure Kimberly is free of any cancer cells following her operation.

She said: “The Christie hospital is brilliant. It’s never nice having to go there but they are so welcoming.

“You see the work that they do first-hand and you know it’s worth it in the long run.

“I’m expected to have a normal life after finishing my treatment and the fact that my cancer is 90 per cent curable is down to the research they do.”

The annual Walk of Hope event is a 10k walk through Cheshire’s Tatton Park to raise money for the leading cancer centre.

“Coronation Street” favourite Sally Dynevor, best known as Sally Webster on the Street, will be joining willing walkers on the day.

The Oldham actress was treated at The Christie for breast cancer in 2009.

To sponsor Kimberly, visit www.justgiving.com/kimberly-aspin.