A Moray mum who was diagnosed with breast cancer just days after her wedding is gearing up to do her bit to fight the disease.
Buckie woman Shirley Anderson was married on May 10 last year, and received the bombshell diagnosis just two days later.
Doctors made their discovery after checking a lump found while Mrs Anderson was being treated for back pain, but had assured her it was unlikely to be of concern.
But they broke the devastating news just two days after Mrs Anderson married “best friend and soul mate” Billy at home with friends and family, including daughters Kaydi, six, Josi, two, and her 13-year-old step-daughter Kali.
Mrs Anderson said: “It was a huge shock.
“One minute we were enjoying life and celebrating our marriage and then two days later we came down with a huge bang.”
Immediately the 39-year-old housing manager began chemotherapy at Elgin’s Dr Gray’s hospital, which shrunk the one inch tumour.
But as she prepared for surgery, her back pain worsened and the procedure was delayed – and by the time she was fit enough to resume treatment two months later, the tumour had grown.
However, after two operations and four weeks of radiotherapy sessions Mrs Anderson was given the all-clear – and she finally got to enjoy her honeymoon.
Since then Mrs Anderson’s health has gone from strength to strength and she is competing in a Race for Life event in Inverness on Sunday.
She said: “I’ve lost an aunt and both grandmothers to cancer and so finding a cure is a cause very close to my heart.
“I’m now focussing on getting fit and healthy and I’ve had brilliant support from my friends so Race for Life is a fun thing we can do together.
“It’s all about feeling alive. I’m really looking forward to it.
“The Race for Life is a chance to recognise everyone who supported me in the toughest of times, and I’m urging ladies to join with me and help beat cancer sooner.”
Sunday’s Race for Life in Inverness takes place at Bught Park with a 10K at 12.30pm and a 5K at 1.30pm.
An Aberdeen race is set for Sunday, June 14, with a 10K event at 9.30am and a 5K at 11.30am.
People looking to take part can apply via raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.