Menstrie mum's story of beating cancer to air at fundraisers

Samantha Currie was diagnosed with breast cancer just months after her 40th birthday and will now share her story in a pre-recorded montage to air before participants set off on the charity’s 10k nighttime fundraiser walk.

The mother of two’s inspirational story will be played on stage to all participants at events across Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales this autumn.

The 41-year-old said: “Cancer took a lot from me but what it never took was my voice. I gained some of that control back for the first time when I shared my story.

“For over a year, my life consisted of 21 weeks of chemotherapy, surgery, 19 sessions of radiotherapy, countless scans and blood tests.

“Now I’m in remission, back at work and life is good. I can’t thank my family enough for their love, support and faith in me.

INSPIRATIONAL: Samantha's story will be aired ahead of Shine Night Walk events across the UK. Pictures provided by Cancer Research UK.

“And I will forever be grateful to every single person who is passionate about helping to raise funds for life-saving research.

“Over the last 40 years, Cancer Research UK’s work has helped double breast cancer survival. And now almost eight in 10 women will survive their disease for at least 10 years.

“That’s an incredible achievement but there’s still more to do.”

Samantha, a teacher at Alva Primary School, discovered a lump in her right breast in October 2021.

She was referred to Forth Valley Royal Hospital for a mammogram, ultra sound and biopsy and was told on October 14, 2021 that she had triple negative breast cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes.

During her treatment, she started a Facebook group to help support other people going through cancer and in June 2022, she range the bell in hospital to mark the end of her treatment.

Samantha added: “I hope sharing my story will help inspire people to sign up for the Shine Night Walk.

“It’s not about being first across the finish line. Everyone can take part at their own pace, whether that’s a leisurely stroll, a lively stride or a full-on power walk.

“There really is no better motivation than knowing you’re helping to save lives. One in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime, but all of us can support the research that will beat it.”

Samantha’s story is one of five audio recordings from cancer survivors that will be played at 17 events across the country.

To enter or volunteer at the Shine Night Walk, visit shinewalk.org.

INSPIRATIONAL: Samantha's story will be aired ahead of Shine Night Walk events across the UK. Pictures provided by Cancer Research UK.