Mum’s marathon in memory of Leigh

Sheila Carlisle and a picture of her daughter, Leigh, who died from mesothelioma, aged 28

‘She will be with me every step of the walk’

A FAILSWORTH mother is set to take to the streets in an emotional tribute to the daughter she lost to cancer.

Sheila Carlisle’s daughter, Leigh, was only 28 when she died from mesothelioma 20 months ago.

And now her mother has pledged to take part in Cancer Research UK’s first ever night-time walking marathon in her memory.

Sheila will pound the pavements of Manchester for 26 miles in the Shine walk, honouring the mother and daughter’s unfulfilled dream of one day taking part together in the London Marathon.

The 51-year-old grandmother of two said: “I know she will be with me every step of the walk.

“I feel very proud to have been Leigh’s mum because she was full of courage and never pitied herself.

“We miss her very much and always will.

Leigh, who worked in marketing, suffered from stomach pains for three years before she was diagnosed with a rare cancer usually linked to asbestos.

She underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, and in September, 2007, she and her family were thrilled when the cancer went into remission.

But the joy was shortlived, and by the start of the following year, the cancer had returned and claimed her life seven months later.

Leigh, who received a posthumous Special Achievement award in the Evening Chronicle’s 2008 Pride in Oldham awards, was also a great ambassador for Cancer Research, and Shine event manager Jayne Leggat said she was a tireless campaigner.

She regularly took part in Race for Life events, and Jayne said: “We are thrilled that Sheila will honour Leigh’s memory by taking on the Shine challenge and wish her well in her fundraising efforts.”

Leigh campaigned for greater awareness of mesothelioma and encouraged investigations into asbestos in schools built in the 1960s and early 1970s.

Cancer Research is looking for 7,500 men and women to sign up to the marathon to raise more than £1 million. A shorter, half marathon route of 13 miles is also available.

It takes place on Saturday, April 17, starting at 10pm, and will see the city of Manchester illuminated as participants take to the streets in an procession of light, passing landmarks such as Old Trafford, Manchester Town Hall and Cancer Research UK’s Paterson Institute in Withington.

Sheila will raise money for research into lung cancer.

The closing date for entries is Friday.

For more information or to sign up go to the charity’s website at www.cancerresearchuk.org/shine .