Pink rockers!

The Co Antrim Ladies Sponsored Tractor Road Run known locally as the Pink Ladies Tractor run is taking place at Broughshane Community Centre this Friday, June 11 at 6.30pm.

Almost twenty years ago Violet was given the dreaded news that she had breast cancer. Thankfully however, she successfully battled the disease and is now committed to help raising money for Cancer Research UK.

She said: "I would urge as many ladies as possible to take part and hope that you the public will support it generously with your sponsorship. It is a very worthy cause and no one knows where it will strike next, but we need to do our best to support the efforts to bring this disease under control and hopefully one day to cure it completely.

“Last year we raised 15600 on the night and with your help we hope to raise more than that for this very worthy cause."

Violet added: " I am married to Eric and we have three lovely children, Jason, Tracy and Maxine.

"In 1991 I was shocked to be told I have breast cancer. I cannot begin to tell you the thought that began rushing through my mind. Suffice to say that it was a terrible time for us all. I was running a successful business and my children were all at school, actually in the middle of exams. I had everything but I suddenly became aware of my own mortality. I have seen family and friends succumb to this dreadful disease.

“However, with the support of a loving family I faced my illness with a fortitude I did not know I possessed and placed myself in the hands of God and my medical team.

"I was very fortunate. I received excellent care at Braid Valley Hospital in Ballymena, which sadly closed. I was fortunate in that I only had to undergo a partial mastectomy. Following that I had chemotherapy which, whilst being unpleasant, did not make me very sick and I did not lose my hair, for which I am grateful. After all a woman’s hair is her ‘crowning glory’. I was admitted to Belvoir Park Hospital and had radium treatment.

"I am delighted to say that I made a full recovery. Since then I have fundraised tirelessly for Cancer Research UK. I am president of the Maghera branch. Every year we hold the biggest breakfast in Northern Ireland and Great Britain at Walsh’s Hotel Maghera and do sponsored walks as well as the ‘pink tractor run’.

We recently held a sale of ‘good as new’ articles in Maghera. Thanks to the generosity of the donors and our team of dedicated volunteers, we made a lot of money for the charity.

"Cancer is an awful disease. It affects people of all ages, races and creeds. Whilst great inroads are being made with research, much more needs to be done. The people of Northern Ireland are the most generous in the United Kingdom and I would urge them to continue sponsoring events such as this.

“Breast Cancer is curable. It is very important that we all take care of our health, eat well, exercise regularly, have regular mammograms and report any changes at the first opportunity.”