Cancer fighting cop's year of fundraising

LYNNE POTTS

A TOP cop who is battling cancer has launched a year of fundraising for the organisations helping her through treatment.

Greater Manchester Police Assistant Chief Officer Lynne Potts MBE has been diagnosed with secondary breast cancer and a tumour of the spine.

GMP's most senior member of police staff was diagnosed in October, last year.

Prior to her diagnosis Lynne was aware of some aches and pains which she had been suffering for a little while but thought they were due to a sporting injury and would eventually go away. The pain in her back became so bad she took herself off to the doctors for a check-up.

It wasn't long before she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer and a tumour of the spine.

Whirlwind

Fortunately Lynne has had the surgery she needed to treat her spinal tumour, has completed her initial chemotherapy which has reduced the size of her breast tumours, and is now back at work.

Lynne said: "These last few months have been a whirlwind, so much has happened. I am feeling really well, whilst I know that I will never be cured of cancer, I am very fortunate that I'm currently responding well to ongoing treatment. I still need to have some radiotherapy to my spine and breast surgery to remove any residual disease but I am hoping that the continuing drug therapies will keep the cancer away.

"It was frightening how quickly it all happened. From visiting the neurosurgeon for the first time to getting to the operating table to sort out my back, I had lost the ability to walk ­- that was in just one week, it was very scary. But thanks to the surgeons and specialists I was up and walking again in a short space of time.

"That's why I am so keen to raise £50,000 through our Windmill Fundraising Campaign, £25,000 to go to The Christie Breast Care and £25,000 to the Salford Royal Neurosurgery Department. Knowing the money we raise across GMP this year will go back into the departments that have helped me, and will be used to help so many more people in the future is fantastic."

Various events have been arranged across Greater Manchester for officers and staff to get involved, such as a quiz night, canal walk, golf day and much more.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: "Lynne has been through so much over the last few months and we're delighted to have welcomed her back to work.

"Lynne's story highlights the importance of looking after ourselves and making sure we get the support we need, and quickly.

"We are proud to be supporting Lynne with her fundraising and pleased to say that GMP will be behind the 'Windmill Fundraising Campaign' throughout the year."