AFTER a shock diagnosis of breast cancer during lockdown, a Dunfermline mum is planning to walk a special half marathon as she attempts to "give back" and give herself some self care.

Lesley McAully's life was rocked in February 2020 when, at the age of 51, she was told she had breast cancer.

Having had no signs that something was wrong, she was diagnosed after a routine mammogram.

"I was called back to the breast clinic at Ardmillan House in Edinburgh. I presumed they wanted to see me again, because there’d been a technical issue when I’d gone to the breast screening unit at my local supermarket," she explained.

"I didn’t even think for a minute that something might be wrong, or that they’d found anything suspicious.

"How wrong I was – I was given a full range of tests, including another scan and a biopsy. I was told then and there that I might have breast cancer, which was a huge shock! We didn’t have any history of breast cancer in the family and I’d never thought that there might be a problem.

"I was on my own when I was told that I might have breast cancer, while my husband was outside in the waiting room, not even thinking that there was going to be bad news. There had been no outward signs of anything being wrong – no misshapen breast, or discharge. Absolutely nothing!"

Soon after she was diagnosed, the country went into lockdown and, although she was initially told she would have surgery then radiotherapy, the decision was made to have chemotherapy first to stop the lump growing any further.

"The chemo was brutal and there were times when I felt like stopping it," she said. "It was really grim, but I knew that it was saving my life, so I kept going.

"In August 2020, I had a lumpectomy and lymph node removal, although by that time, I was told that the chemo had already completely destroyed all the cancer cells. I was very lucky that the chemotherapy I had was a brand new type, which had only been introduced in our area a couple of months before lockdown.

"Following my surgery, I had a course of radiotherapy and am now taking the hormone therapy Letrozole. In a way, it felt like I’d had the whole lot thrown at me in terms of treatment but if that hadn’t been the case, I simply might not be here."

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Throughout her treatment, Lesley said her family were a "huge" support to her. Her daughter Stacey, who has suffered from a rare type of sarcoma cancer since she was 11, moved back home with her and husband Brian while younger daughter Sammy was able to provide vital help by delivering goods and supporting her mum through the window because of restrictions.

Lesley will join thousands or women and men on the MoonWalk which will set off from Holyrood Park in Edinburgh to walk an overnight half or full marathon through the streets of the capital.

Walkers will be uniting to raise much needed awareness and money, which is granted towards supporting those living with cancer in Scotland.

"I’ve signed up for the Half Moon at The MoonWalk Scotland 2023, as I felt it was time to give myself a little bit of self-care," said Lesley.

"I’ve never been very good at that and have always put everybody else first. "Somewhere along the line, especially during my treatment, I lost my way a little. This year, I’ve decided to take on whole load of “finding myself” activities.

"To do that, I wanted to do some sort of physical exercise and I really want to give something back to charity – hence signing up for The MoonWalk.

"I’m also looking forward to walking with people who are in a similar situation and listening to their stories.

"Although Stacey can’t walk with us for health reasons, Sammy is taking part, as well as my best friend Lesley Anne, who’s done The MoonWalk herself previously. I’m particularly proud of Sammy as she’s not a walker and is being a right trooper! I’m sure we’ll all get caught up in the whole atmosphere of the event on the night and have an amazing time."

While encouraging others to join her at the event, Lesley said she has one important message to get across.

She said: "After coming through the last few years, I’d say that my main message would be that everyone should keep checking their breasts and if you qualify, make sure you go for your mammogram. "Do not ignore your letter inviting you to have your screening! My mammogram saved my life and it could save yours.”

To sign up for The MoonWalk Scotland 2023, go to www.walkthewalk.org.