Birmingham woman who had mastectomy to avoid breast cancer is an inspiration at Cancer Research race

Oct 12 2010 by Alison Dayani, Birmingham Mail

A CITY woman who had both breasts removed to cheat death from the cancer plaguing her family inspired hundreds at a charity race.

Alison Carby, from Erdington, was honoured as official starter for Walsall Arboretum’s Cancer Research 10km race.

She rallied the 1,000 runners with an inspiring speech on her emotional experiences and how research played a part in her life.

It was a poignant moment for the 25-year-old, whose mother Angela Carby was given the Cancer Research UK ‘Number One’ racing bib at a Race for Life at Sutton Park in 2007 during her eight year battle with breast cancer.

Angela died last year at the age of 50 from the disease.

“I remember when mum had the bib as it goes to a survivor every year,” said Alison, whose mother, grandmother and two great aunts have all died from breast cancer.

“I’ve got so much to be thankful for because of Cancer Research UK and that is why I always take part in the charity’s races every year.