Relay For Life: Survivors join charity walk (Pictures)

WHEN Dawn Berrow found out she had a brain tumour two years ago she was initially told it was benign.

But, after telling family and friends that she was fine, the mum-of-one got a call from the hospital.

They told the housing manager that her test samples had been mixed up – and that she actually had a serious Grade Four tumour and had 12 months to live.

But on Saturday, the 46-year-old from Newcastle was in Northwood Stadium to complete the survivor's lap of the 11th annual Stoke-on-Trent Relay for Life in aid of Cancer Research UK.

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Pictures from Relay For Life at the Northwood Stadium Enlarge pictures

She said: "I had all the chemotherapy and radiotherapy and fingers crossed I am here to tell the tale."

Dawn still has MRI scans, but her most recent was clear. After being diagnosed two years ago, Dawn wed her fiancee Geoff in Christmas 2007 after bringing it forward from 2008.

And the 57-year-old, who joined his wife at the Relay For Life starting line on Saturday said: "I am just so pleased that she is here to do this. She is a survivor.

Lord Mayor Councillor Jean Bowers sent more than 250 walkers on their way at noon and, over the next 24 hours, 24 teams had at least one member on the track.

A total of 263 people registered, including the 19 survivors who, accompanied by the Longton St John's Scout and Guide band, led walkers off on the first lap.

The youngest of the survivors was seven-year-old Millie Breeze, from Birches Head, who led the way with mum Pam.

Hamilton Infants School pupil Millie was only four when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

After undergoing chemotherapy for 18 months the tumour had shrank, but she still has scans every three months to monitor it.

Sixteen people made up 'Millie's Team' for Saturday's event, including sisters Chole, aged 18, Lydia, aged nine, and six-year-old Isobel.

Millie said: "It has been good and I have been looking forward to it."

Along with the walk, there were a host of other events going on. They included a candle of hope ceremony in which the stadium lights came down for a vigil in memory of family and friends who have suffered or died as a result of the disease.

Civil servant Ruth Kemp wore the mauve t-shirt of one of the survivors, but was also a member of the organising committee.

The 32-year-old from Hanley , was diagnosed with cervical cancer at 30.

She has spent two years in remission, which is when she started raising funds for Cancer Research.

Ruth, who walked with the Newcastle College team, said: "I joined the committee to do this walk because I wanted to say thank-you."

A figure is likely to be released some time this week with the total raised.

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