Norfolk: Mum Backs Race For Life 2012

3 April 2012, 05:00 | Updated: 15 December 2017, 15:09

A mum of four from Surlingham in Norfolk will run the Race for Life for the second time this year after losing the sight in one eye from a rare form of cancer.

Ruth Donaldson will take part in the 5k run on Sunday 20th May at the Norfolk Showground with her three daughters. 

The 45-year-old from Surlingham was diagnosed with ocular melanoma in October 2010 after an optician referred her to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. She had started to lose the sight in the top part of her eye.

The former students' union manager decided to have her eye removed over fears of the cancer spreading. She is now driving again and hopes to return to work soon.

Ruth and her daughters will be dressed as pirates as they complete the Race For Life. She has making jokes about pirates and eyepatches since she was diagnosed. She says her irreverent sense of humour has helped her cope with her unusual ordeal.

Ruth is encouraging everyone to get involved with the Race for Life this year.

She said: "I loved Race for Life. The atmosphere was absolutely electric and we all had a wonderful time. It was an amazing day and I was buzzing for hours afterwards. 

I can't wait to take part in Norwich race again this year. We want to raise as much money as possible for Cancer Research UK, as research is the only way we can make progress in the battle against cancer."

Ruth Donaldson Speaks To Heart

Around 9,500 women took part in the Race for Life in Norwich last year, raising £580,500. Ruth is urging mums, daughters, sisters and grandmas to take part this year.

You can enter Race for Life 5k or 10k. You can find all the details on how to enter at www.raceforlife.org or call 0871 641 1111.

Race for Life events in East Anglia:

Norwich, Norfolk Showground - Saturday 19 May 10am (10k) & 2pm

Norwich, Norfolk Showground - Sunday 20 May 11am

Ipswich, Chantry Park - Sunday 17 June 11am

Bury St Edmunds, Nowton Park - Sunday 24 June 11am & 2.30pm