Mum: I’m doing it for Katie

Allison Richardson, who is planning a charity concert in aid of Cancer Research UK, with her daughter Katie

Cancer survivor takes part in research
A woman diagnosed with bowel cancer at the age of 34 is taking part in genetics research in a bid to help her daughter and others like her.

Allison Richardson battled back from the brink of death after undergoing surgery in March last year to remove a tumour from her bowel.

Now she is determined to help others, like her daughter Katie, who is 11 on Saturday, by taking part in the research project.

Allison donated a sample of her tumour and some DNA for colorectal research being carried out by the Institute of Cancer Research.

She said: “They are looking into genetics and I feel quite proud I was able to help.”

Allison’s grandmother died from bowel cancer when she was 40, so Katie will also be part of a screening programme which means she will be tested regularly from the age of 20 so any problems can be picked up early.

First treated for irritable bowel syndrome because her young age hadn’t alerted doctors to the possibility she may have cancer, Allison was rushed into the Royal Oldham Hospital when the tumour completely blocked her bowel.

She suffered rare complications after her operation and nearly died. Dropping to a pitiful five-and-a-half stones, she was transferred to intensive care where her family were told to expect the worst.

“It happened so quickly,” said Allison, who lives in Oldham. “Within a week I went from having irritable bowel syndrome to bowel cancer, and after the operation I got septicaemia and peritonitis.

“I was fighting for my life and my family were told I wasn’t going to make it.”

But Allison battled back from death’s door, and is now back at home where she is intent on doing her utmost to help research into the disease.

After spending almost eight weeks in hospital, she is now back up to eight stone, and the cancer is at bay. Doctors had planned to give her chemotherapy, but the complications following surgery meant she was unable to have it.

Allison is hosting a fundraising family fun day on Easter Sunday at the Bulls Head, Mill Bottom, Waterhead, to raise money for cancer research.

It starts at 2pm until late, with live bands, an Easter egg hunt, a barbecue, bouncy castle, a balloon release and a DJ in the evening.

Urging people to turn up, support the cause, and have a fun day, Allison said: “Anything I can do to help research I will.