Elgin mum who overcame cancer stars in new video for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life
A woman who overcame cancer after losing her own mum to the disease is starring in a new video to launch Cancer Research UK’s ultimate Race for Life playlist.
Amy Addison from Elgin, owner of Hub Hairdressing salon, was packing to go on a family holiday to America in the summer of 2023 when she first noticed a lump in her left breast.
After the road trip was over, she visited the nurse practitioner at her GP surgery and later had an appointment in Aberdeen which included a mammogram, ultra sound and biopsy.
On October 5, 2023, Amy (43) was diagnosed with Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), an early breast cancer.
Doctors explained that DCIS means some cells in the lining of the ducts of the breast tissue have started to turn in to cancer cells.
These cells are all contained inside the ducts and have not started to spread into the surrounding breast tissue.
On January 6, 2024, at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Amy had a 16-hour surgery which included a mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction.
The procedure involved using body tissue from the stomach area to make a new breast.
It was explained that the flap needed a good blood supply or the tissue would die.
It was estimated that Amy would be in hospital for five days but complications meant she was there for five weeks. In total Amy had six operations.
After being discharged from hospital, no chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment was needed.
Now as part of fundraising, Amy has chosen the song What’s Up? by Four Non Blondes and is inviting those taking part in Race for Life this spring - and those who are yet to sign up - to add their song choice to Plays for Life.
Amy joins winner of season three of the hit BBC One show The Traitors, Leanne Quigley, Strictly star Amy Dowden, broadcaster Jamie Theakston who has recently been given the all clear from cancer, comedian Fats Timbo, and Loose Women TV presenter Kaye Adams in the video where people share the meaningful reasons behind their song choices.
Leanne has added Cruel Summer by G Flip, Fats Timbo popped Destiny’s Child Survivor on the playlist, Kaye went with Mary’s Prayer by Danny Wilson, with Jamie choosing Lose Yourself by Eminem.
Amy knows exactly how vital it is to raise funds for life-saving research. Money raised at Race for Life will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease - to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
She will join husband Stuart Addison (49), children Kyla (17) and Menzie (15) and friends and family at Race for Life Inverness at Bught Park on Sunday, June 1.
Amy said: “My song for Race for Life is What’s Up? by Four Non Blondes.
“This is the song that brings me and my girls together. It’s a 1990s song that takes me back to the days when we were school friends together at Elgin Academy.
“It makes me think of the friends who have stuck with me through my life and who supported me through some tough moments in my cancer journey.
“The song is a tribute to them. For all your support I want to thank you so much. You mean the world.”
Amy described the day when she was diagnosed with cancer.
She said: “It was the last appointment of the evening.
“My husband was with me. The doctor turned to him and said, ‘I’m glad you’re here as it’s not good news.’
“I was pragmatic. I asked the doctor if it was treatable and it was. It was non invasive and it hadn’t spread in to the tissues.
“The drive home knowing we had to tell our children was hard. We didn’t get back until about 9.30pm so I think they knew something was up.
“I told them as soon as we got home. I was worried that the only word they’d hear was ‘cancer’ so I drew diagrams and explained everything.
“I let them know from the beginning that although the news was upsetting there was going to be a good outcome.
“I was pretty strong through it and I think because I was alright, they were too.
“I felt I’d moved in to that hospital at one point as I was there for so long.
“But every single person working on that ward was amazing. I couldn’t have asked for better care.
“From the surgeons to the tea lady, the nurses to the cleaners, the care I received was above and beyond.”
Following her treatment in hospital, Amy and her team known as “Amy’s Army” raised more than £6000 at Race for Life Aberdeen.
It was an emotional day as Amy reflected on everything she had been through and remembered her own mum, Rosemary Stewart who she had loved so much.
Rosemary, a former school receptionist at Greenwards Primary school, Elgin, was 74 when she died from womb cancer on May 25, 2022.
Amy said: “My mum was bright, sparkly and would have done anything for you.
“Chemotherapy treatment gave her more time but she had 11 months after being diagnosed with cancer. We all miss her so much.
“As we crossed the start line at Race for Life, part of a track from the movie the Greatest Showman played.
“That was the last movie I’d ever watched with my mum before she died. I felt my mum was with us that day.”
Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, is an inspiring series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.
Research commissioned for Race for Life has found the majority of adults in the UK who listen to music find it motivates them when they exercise (92 per cent) and that music makes them feel that they have a boost of energy when doing so (91 per cent).
The playlist aims to inspire people to join a local event and provide some extra motivation for those who may be training, with the message that every step taken helps to fund life-saving cancer research.
People of all ages and abilities are welcome to join Amy and take part in Race for Life Inverness at Bught Park on June 1 with 5K and 10k events to choose from.
There are also Race for Life events across Scotland this spring everywhere from Glasgow to Aberdeen, Falkirk to Fife and Edinburgh to Stirling.
Every year around 34,600 people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland.
Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK’s spokeswoman in Scotland, said: “We are grateful to Amy and her family for their support and know their story will make an impact on everyone who hears it.
“Sadly nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime but all of us can support the research that will beat it.
“We’re proud that Race for Life has had such a positive impact. Every pound raised supports our life-saving work, which has helped double cancer survival in the UK over the last 50 years.
“We’d love for as many people as possible across Scotland to join us at Race for Life. There is an event for everyone and we mean everyone.
“Our events are non-competitive which means everyone can have a go - and love every minute.
“There’s no pressure to finish in a certain time, just give it what you can. Lace up and join in.
“Whether people are living with cancer, taking part in honour of or in memory of a loved one with cancer, in it for the medals or just for the fun of fundraising, there is a place for everyone.”
Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, contributing millions of pounds towards life-saving research.
Cancer Research UK funded scientists led the development of the Human Papillomavirus Virus vaccine, which is expected to prevent almost 90 per cent of cervical cancers in the UK.
The charity was a key player in the development of radiotherapy which now benefits millions of cancer patients worldwide.
Cancer Research UK played a leading role in the development of abiraterone - a drug that gives men with advanced prostate cancer more time with their friends and family.
To find out more and submit a song to the Plays for Life playlist visit here.
Anyone hoping to sign up to a Race for Life event this year can get 30 per cent off their entry fee as part of the spring sale until Sunday, April 6 by using the code 30SPRING. Visit raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org to enter.
