A CANCER survivor has been chosen as a voice of Race for Life events across the UK this year.
Natalia Davies from Barry shared her story of going through leukaemia as part of a new pre-recorded montage which will be played on stage at Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life events, including the recent Race for Life Cardiff in Bute Park.
Her inspirational words thanking supporters will be heard across Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is one of four new real life cancer stories which capture the emotion behind Race for Life and people’s motivations for taking part.
Singer and drama teacher Natalia knows exactly how vital it is to raise funds for life-saving research. She recently marked a major milestone in her recovery after being discharged as a cancer patient 22 years after her diagnosis. That’s why she’s urging people to visit raceforlife.org and sign up. Money raised will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancers.
Natalia, 29, said: “I hope my story will connect with people in the moments before they set off on the Race for Life course.
“I am now 22 years cancer free and am celebrating life after being discharged from hospital. Now my treatment is finally over, I’m determined to make every moment count – including starting a new teaching job in South Korea.
“I’m so grateful for the treatment that saved my life, which is why I’m doing everything I can to raise awareness of the power of research.”
Natalia, a musical theatre enthusiast, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia a month before her fifth birthday after experiencing flu-like symptoms and bruising on her body. She missed a year of school and remembers how devastated she felt when she lost her hair.
Ruth Amies, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in Wales, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Natalia for her support and know her story will make an impact on everyone who hears it.”
Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, funding 30 years of hope and progress.
Cancer Research UK funded scientists led the development of the Human Papillomavirus Virus (HPV) vaccine, which is expected to prevent almost 90 per cent of cervical cancers in the UK. The charity also funded many large clinical trials looking at the effectiveness of the drug tamoxifen and the research shaped the way the drug is used to treat breast cancer today.
To enter a Race for Life, visit raceforlife.org
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