LOCKDOWN has put many aspects of people’s lives on hold. But one incredible cancer survivor from Whitefield is carrying on her fight against the disease even in these uncertain times.

Eight years ago Carolyn Hall had just celebrated her 40th birthday when she found a lump in her right breast.

After undergoing tests at North Manchester General Hospital she was given the heartbreaking news that she had breast cancer.

A mum of two, her youngest child was just four-years-old at the time.

Her diagnosis was made even harder to bear as she had previously lost her mother to the disease.

She said: “It was a terrible shock when I was diagnosed with cancer and I felt like I was going through a living nightmare.”

Following her diagnosis, Mrs Hall underwent an urgent mastectomy and reconstructive surgery, and began chemotherapy at The Christie Hospital.

Thankfully her treatment was successful. However, for the last eight years she has been to taking tamoxifen ­— a revolutionary medication designed to prevent breast cancer and boost survival rates.

Now aged 48, Mrs Hall is married to husband Stuart, with children, Lily, aged 12, and 16-year-old Charlie.

She also runs her own business ­— Total Venues.

Mrs Hall said: “I knew I had no choice but to fight it and I really think that the experience has made me a stronger person.”

Bury Times: Carolyn during cancer treatment (right) with friend Joanne MorleyCarolyn during cancer treatment (right) with friend Joanne Morley

Throughout her journey Mrs Hall has been an ardent supporter of Cancer Research UK and the Race for Life.

She even took part in the middle of chemotherapy treatment and was made a VIP at the Heaton Park event in 2014.

This year’s Race for Life at Heaton Park is among many which have been postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

However Mrs Hall, alongside other Cancer UK supporters, is urging people across the borough to join her in a Race for Life at Home.

To get involved people are being asked to a run, walk, twerk, limbo, star jump, squat, skip, dance 5Km around their gardens or home to fundraise for the charity.

There is no entry fee and all you have to join the fun is sign up online.

Mrs Hall said: “We’re all going to be spending a lot of time indoors this spring, so it feels good to take back some control and plan something positive to help me and to help people who are going through cancer right now.”

For more information or to sign up visit raceforlife.org.

A new date for Race for Life at Heaton Park has been set. Pretty Muddy 5k and Pretty Muddy Kids events will now take place on Saturday October 17. Race for Life 5k and 10k events will be held on Sunday October 18.