Maxine steps up in bid to beat disease

The 42-year-old, who has been placed in the disease’s “high risk” victim category, will compete in the Great North Run - the world’s largest half marathon - to raise funds form Bowel Cancer UK.

Maxine, who lives with her husband Cliff, 53, in Farington, is determined to raise as much as she possibly can for a cause she says is so close to her heart.

Newcastle-born, she will be returning to the city where the race is run to ‘fulfil a life goal’ with friend Laura Davidson on Sunday, September 12.

Maxine’s father was 60 when he died.

“He was fit and keen into cycling and walking and it came as a big shock, that was seven years ago,” said Maxine, who runs Emporium Blinds, Golden Hill Lane, Leyland.

Maxine explains: “During one of his appointments my dad’s consultant mentioned the possibility of the disease being hereditary and suggested that any of his children should seek screening.

“A number of screenings and investigative treatments took place and this is when we learned that both my grandad and dad had a genetic form of bowel cancer, this subsequently placed me in the “high risk” category.

“I now receive annual screening and support from the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.

“For the first few screenings I was relieved to learn that I was free from any signs of cancer however during last year’s screening it was discovered that I had developed polyps, which if not removed would lead to cancer. Im pleased to be able to say they have been removed.

“I am lucky, I feel so grateful that I have been afforded the screening and it’s such a comfort to know there are preventative treatments available, without which I may not be aware of the risks.”

Maxine’s husband’s father also died from bowel cancer 11 years ago.

She said all three men in her life who lost their lives to the disease are “hugely missed”.

And despite the scare hanging over herself, she said: “You just get on with life. I’m a positive person and you use the strength from what you’ve been through to do things. That’s why I’ve put my heart and soul into this.

“It’s so rewarding and people have been so supportive. It’s overwhelming. It’s been a fantastic experience, it really has.”

A fundraising campaign has already begun.

Maxine is a friend of Anthony and Alex Preston, who run the Rose and Farington pub, Stanifield lane, Farington, which staged a family fun day in aid of the charity on Saturday.

The event was the second of a series, following a ladies evening in July, and there will be a coffee morning on August 21.

It has raised more than £433 so far, taking the fundraisers into the £1,500 region.

Meanwhile, Maxine is putting the finishing touches to her training for the big race.

“I go along to the gym and I’ve joined LeylandRunSmart running group,” she said.

If you want to support Maxine, go to the Just giving

page : https://profile.justgiving.com/maxine-deraviarere#/fundraising