Race for Life honour for Val
11:41am Wednesday 10th March 2010 in News
A BOLTON doctor with incurable skin cancer — who says getting sunburnt as a child caused her condition — will start Manchester’s Race for Life this year.
Val Coupes, pictured, who lives in Didsbury and works at Halliwell Children’s Centre, has been made guest of honour for the North West’s flagship Race for Life in recognition of her bravery, and will be starting the event.
In 2002 she was diagnosed with malignant melanoma aged 27, had surgery and was given the all clear in 2007, but two years later the cancer returned.
The 34-year-old paediatrician, who believes getting sunburnt as a child caused her cancer, is now having treatment to prolong her life, but will not be cured.
She said: “Back then there wasn’t the awareness about the problems but there is now.
“Everyone thinks this kind of thing won’t happen but it certainly can. People need to be aware of the dangers and any changes to their skin.
“The only cure is removal and if caught at an early stage.
She added: “I would urge all women to think about signing-up for Race for Life.
“It will be a huge honour to start it and I am going to take part as long as I am well.”
Dr Coupes has regular check ups, currently feels well and is working full time.
Race for Life is the UK’s largest women-only fundraising event series with proceeds funding research.
Nelson Laurencia, of Cancer Research UK, said: “We are honoured someone as brave and upbeat as Val will be our guest of honour. She will inspire and motivate.”
There will be three Race for Life events at Heaton Park, Prestwich, on July 10 and 11.
Bolton’s Race for Life takes place at Leverhulme Park on Sunday, July 4. To enter visit raceforlife.org or call 0871 641 1111.
