A CROSSFORD mum who beat cancer is running as a 'VIP' during next month's Race for Life.

Lesley-Ann Chessor, 40, was diagnosed with breast cancer on March 20, 2020, just as the nation went into lockdown for the first time.

"The day was completely surreal," said the playgroup worker. "There was so much going on I felt like I was in a bit of a daze and it didn’t really hit me.

"I’d been to the hospital, had lots of tests, and was told there and then that it was very likely I had cancer. I think they told me up front because we were about to be locked down and no-one knew what would happen next.

"From the hospital, I went back to work at the playgroup, knowing it would be the last time I would see the children there for a while. I then went to pick up my two children from school and chatted to the other parents who were there to collect their children and their home-learning packs.

"I don’t really remember feeling much at all that day. Even now, the emotion hits me in waves. Some days I’m fine and then out of nowhere I can feel completely overwhelmed, realising it’s me we are talking about. That feeling doesn’t hang around for long though."

The then 38-year-old was told that she had stage three breast cancer, which had spread to her lymph nodes and involved five tumours.

She was scheduled for a mastectomy and lymph node removal at Kings Park Hospital in Stirling, a procedure which she had to attend alone due to coronavirus restrictions.

Lesley-Ann, her husband, Richard, and two children, seven-year-old Blaire and nine-year-old Crawford, will be taking part in the Race for Life event in Kirkcaldy on May 15.

The family are urging others to sign up and raise money for the charity which is so close to their hearts.

While treatment was carried out, Lesley-Ann's family were doing the same as most others in the country, home-schooling and living with restrictions.

"I didn’t have time to think," she recalled. "Home-schooling two children, who were then in P1 and P3, and looking after everyone took up all of my time.

"I think being in lockdown helped me to deal with the cancer emotionally. I didn’t see how anyone else was reacting to my diagnosis because it was just me, my husband Richard and the children in our world.

"It was hard being away from family though. Like so many people, we didn’t have anyone who was allowed to help us. And I had to tell my mum and dad I had cancer on Facetime, even though they live just two miles away."

Despite pandemic guidelines, her treatment was not delayed, and between June and October Lesley-Ann received eight rounds of chemotherapy, as well as 15 rounds of radiotherapy between November and December.

She explained: "I think it was a time that the hospitals were only dealing with emergencies. I think because my situation was considered to be urgent, I was seen pretty quickly.

"The only difference in my treatment plan as I understand it is that I’ve had to wait for reconstruction surgery. I’m expecting this to happen soon."

Now, she is celebrating being cancer-free by running with her family to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

"I’m so proud to run Race for Life," she added. "Taking part, raising funds, encouraging others to get involved is so important – it could be priceless for us in the future.

"We all have a reason to Race for Life. For me, it will be a moment to celebrate being clear of cancer and to play my part to fund research to help future generations."

Previously, Lesley-Ann spoke to the Press about a fundraising initiative set up with her friend, Hanniffia McGrath, to buy an additional cold cap machine for Queen Margaret Hospital.

The pair have so far raised £8,818 to purchase the equipment which cools the scalp to help cancer patients retain their hair during chemotherapy.

To enter, visit raceforlife.org