Daughter who survived cancer will walk Glasgow's Shine Night Walk

So Andrena was doubly heartbroken when her mum, Anne Green, was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer just a few years later and died from the disease.

Now, to help give other families more tomorrows with their loved ones, the 53-year-old plans to complete Scotland’s only Shine Night Walk.

She said: "When I had cancer my mum understood what I was going through more than anyone else.

“She always knew what to say, when to talk and when to just be there to support me.

"I think of the hugs, the chats, the tears and the laughter we shared.

"There are many memories, so many things to say about mum.

"My heart broke when we realised mum was not going to recover from cancer the second time around.

"The close mum and daughter relationship we treasured again became a lifeline.

"We had to make the most of the time we had left together and I went in to a very logical and practical mode to care for her.

"Now I wake up every day and wish she was still here.

"That’s why mum will be on my mind as I take part in Shine Night Walk through the city that I love.

"I’ll do Shine for my brave superhero mum and to make a difference to the lives of people with cancer.”

When Andrena was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2013, her mum was a natural confidant after having overcome breast cancer herself in 2005.

Andrena endured chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.

And only months after completing cancer treatment, Andrena threw herself in to fundraising for cancer charities, supported every step of the way by her son Cameron, 22, and her mum.

In November 2018 Andrena’s mum Anne was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer.

Anne had chemotherapy and surgery twice to remove the tumour and make her more comfortable.

Anne was well enough to go home in May 2019 but when her condition worsened in the August she had to return to hospital where she died aged 73 with her daughter by her side.

Andrena said: “The number of people from the NHS involved in Mum’s care must have been more than 100.

“It was the toughest of times but we were blown away by the quality of care.

"We knew from the doctors that oesophageal cancer is a difficult cancer to treat.

"But the NHS staff cared for my mum with the most amazing grace and vigour.

"It felt too soon to lose my mum but I count my blessings this happened before the pandemic so I was able to be there with her all through the treatment and at the end.

“Mum loved flowers, especially pink and lilac ones.

"Amazingly, every year the rose bush in my dad's garden blooms on mum's birthday, a beautiful reminder of mum.

"I send her closest friends flowers on her birthday too.

"They’re a smile from Annie... I was so lucky to have her as a mum.

“I want to support the Shine walk in mum's memory, but also in memory of one of her closest friends who sadly passed early this year.

"Another close friend of mine lost her mum in the past year to cancer, and I have friends, old and new, who are living with cancer.

"Let's support them all.”

Oesophageal cancer is the 14th most common cancer in the UK with around 9,100 new cases in the UK each year.

Last year, Cancer Research UK spent more than £9 million on research in to it.

The impact of the charity’s past research has helped boost survival for people with advanced oesophageal cancer through the treatment of docetaxel.

Work is also underway on detecting the disease earlier.

Cancer Research UK funded scientists developed the Cytopsponge ‘sponge-on-a string’ test,* a less invasive way to diagnose Barrett’s oesophagus- a condition which increases people’s risk of developing oesophageal cancer.

Entries are open now for Shine Night Walk Glasgow, the 10k event where socially distanced measures will be in place to keep participants safe.

Participants can raise funds for the area of life-saving research closest to their hearts.

Walkers can choose to support different areas of scientific research including oesophageal cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, brain cancer, children’s cancers and leukaemia.

Or they can simply give their backing to Cancer Research UK’s overall work as the charity fights back from the impact of the pandemic.

The Shine Night Walk starts at the SEC Centre from 8.05pm.

The 10k route crosses over Bell’s Bridge, passing BBC Scotland and STV headquarters.

Participants will then walk back over the River Clyde and along the Broomielaw then pass Cancer Research UK flagship shop on Queen Street.

They’ll pass the landmark Duke of Wellington statue outside the Gallery of Modern Art then along Buchanan Street and Sauchiehall Street.

The route then heads up Woodlands Road and along Kelvin Way, Argyll Street and Finnieston before passing The SSE Hydro and on to the finish line.

In 2021 Glasgow is one of 18 locations across the UK selected to host the Shine Night Walk series, in partnership with online fundraising platform Omaze.

Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK spokeswoman in Scotland, said: “We’re grateful to Andrena for her support.

“One in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime. But all of us can support the research that will beat it.

"So, we hope people across the city will unite behind this special event and make it a night to remember.

"This is no ordinary night out. It’s a night to walk together for the millions of people affected by cancer.

"It’s a night to celebrate, feel proud and light up the city streets.

"It’s a night to raise crucial funds and bring hope to people affected by the disease.”

Participants will set off on the Shine Night Walk route either alone or in small, socially distanced groups.

Hand sanitiser will be provided and people will be encouraged to use it before and after the event.

Lisa said: “We’ll ask participants to respect social distancing before, during and after the event.

“We are working proactively with our venues and suppliers to deliver a great experience on site.

"Participants can choose to complete the course at their own speed, from a leisurely stroll to a lively stride to a full-on power walk passing the city’s well-loved landmarks.

“The battle against cancer never stops.

"Shine Night Walk is a special opportunity for people to come together to remember loved ones lost to cancer or celebrate the lives of those dear to them who have survived.”

People can also show their support by volunteering on the night or visiting the event’s online shop to buy kit including a hoodie and glow sticks, as well as glow face paint sticks and flashing tiaras.

If any Shine Night Walk events are cancelled, supporters will be entitled to a refund of their entry free or can choose to donate the fee to help fund Cancer Research UK’s work.

To enter or volunteer visit shinewalk.org