AN inspirational cancer survivor who struggles to walk due to nerve damage is bravely taking on a 10k charity challenge in honour of her seriously ill mother.
Jaclyn Johnstone was left devastated when she was told earlier this year that her much-loved mum Yvonne had been diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer.
The 34-year-old is taking part in this weekend’s tenth anniversary ‘Off the Beatson Track’ event to raise cash for the cancer charity which has helped care for her mum.
OTHER NEWS: Inverclyde deputy council leader on her struggle with ADHD
Greenock resident Jaclyn had her own battle with the terrible disease after being diagnosed with cervical cancer at 28-years-old.
She was left with nerve damage in her leg and sciatica pain in her back, and now struggles to get out of the house.
But the brave local mum told the Telegraph that she was determined to fight through the pain and complete the walk for her mum.
She said: “We are taking part in the event as my mum has been diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer, as well as cancer showing in other areas.
“My mum was diagnosed at the start of June this year, when she was admitted into hospital with stomach pains and they had to drain fluid from her lungs and stomach.
“I had cervical cancer when I was 28 and it was a completely different experience.
“I had a radical hysterectomy which of course is completely different to what my mum's going through.
“When I found out I needed the hysterectomy I had to decide in that minute whether I wanted kids or not, it was really difficult.
“My mum’s been in and out of hospital non-stop since being diagnosed because of the chemotherapy and breathing issues.
“We wanted to highlight the amazing work the Beatson, our motto is that we’ll fight as long as mum keeps fighting.
“I can hardly walk but I’m going to fight to do this 10k.
“I’m just going to go for it, I’ve got my stick, my hubby and probably a wheelchair waiting at the end for me.
“My best friend Gemma and her daughter Jennifer will be there to help me too.
“We are doing the walk as I see my mum fighting every day to be here to live her life and I wanted to do something to show her that if she's fighting, I will fight beside her in a different way.
“If my mum’s still fighting then I’ll fight, that’s what I can do, to raise awareness for the Beatson and fight.
“I can’t put into words how much my mum means to us, you’d do anything for your family.
“Cancer is awful for the person and the family.
"No one sees the pain they all hide from everyone and the tears that they shed, but the work The Beatson do and their support has been amazing so it's a big thanks from us to them.”
Jaclyn says she was blown away by what she witnessed when her mum started receiving care and treatment at the Beatson.
She and her family were given full access to a host of services and support offered by the charity.
She said: “We ventured up to their wellbeing centre and it was an amazing place.
“It was so calm and everyone was lovely and they spoke to mum about wigs.
"Everything The Beatson do is just amazing.
“The nurses and the staff are all so kind and helpful.
“The work they do is incredible, it has blown me away seeing it.
“The Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley have been brilliant as well, I can’t believe how amazing everyone has been.”
Jaclyn will take part in the walk alongside her partner David, her seven-year-old daughter Caitlyn, friend Gemma and her daughter Jennifer.
They've already raised £700, with Jaclyn’s partner David promising to do the full walk in a fairy costume if the donation drive hits £1,000 before Sunday.
The event will kick off at Glasgow's Riverside Museum on August 27 and go past The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre on Great Western Road, via Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum and back to the Riversideto finish.
STV’s Laura Boyd and BBC’s David Farrell have been lined up to host the event, and there will be a festival village at the finish line full of food and activities for supporters to enjoy.
Those taking part in the event will be given a medal and a free t-shirt.
Jaclyn is hoping that Yvonne will be able to get out of hospital to meet the walkers at the finish line.
Those who wish to donate to Jaclyn’s fundraiser can do so online at https://tinyurl.com/ye22ncud
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here