Race for Life start in Inverness will be poignant moment
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A WOMAN who lost her husband to cancer after a brave two-year-fight will ring the bell to start this year’s Race for Life at Bught Park.
It will be an emotional moment for Shannon Murphy (22) and her two-year-old daughter Sophia as they send more than 1000 people off on the 5K and 10K courses tomorrow to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK.
It will also be a special tribute to her husband Michael who was just 25 when he died in September last year.
The former chef was diagnosed with leukaemia just two months after his wedding day in 2016. Shannon, who also turned 20 on their wedding day, was six months pregnant with Sophia.
It was while receiving treatment at Raigmore Hospital that Michael first took part in filming with Channel 4 for the campaign Stand Up To Cancer, sharing his determination to be the best dad possible.
The family’s story was watched by millions during a night of fundraising last October.
Now Shannon has vowed to keep Michael’s memory alive by dedicating this year’s Race for Life Inverness to the love of her life who she misses every day. She will be supported by her mum, Liz MacKenzie (53), and her sister Kerry MacKenzie (18).
Shannon, from South Kessock, said: “I treasure the Stand Up To Cancer film as it’s a chance to hear Michael’s voice one more time and make memories for Sophia.
“It means Sophia will be able to grow up hearing her daddy’s voice, knowing how much he loved her and wanted to live to watch her grow up.
“Michael was in hospital when I took part in the Race for Life Inverness last May. I remember spending time with Michael on the ward and all the nurses wishing me good luck.
“It’s been the toughest year of my life. It was devastating to lose Michael but if his story can help stop other families having to go through what we did, then I couldn’t be prouder.”
Michael was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and chronic myeloid leukaemia in September 2016 after collapsing at home. He started chemotherapy treatment before having a bone marrow transplant in June 2017 after doctors said it was his best chance of survival.
But in spring last year, tests showed the cancer had spread to his spine and brain. He endured more chemotherapy and radiotherapy but there was nothing more that could be done.
Among the participants in the Race for Life will be 45 pupils from Inverness Royal Academy who have been inspired by their classmate Mya MacKay (15) after her mum, Louise MacKay died the day before her 40th birthday in February from cervical cancer. The group have already raised more than £1300.
