Shine with nine

NINE in nine challenge . . . Gillian Haq, Danielle Corrigan, Eva Royle with son Sam, Charlotte Adams and Jennifer Ahern

A CANCER diagnosis is tough enough but when it happens during pregnancy the devastation is immeasurable.

A truly inspirational mum who successfully battled the most aggressive type of breast cancer while pregnant with her youngest child, Sam, is spearheading a huge fundraising drive to help others in the same situation.

Eva Royle (41), from Delph, is midway through what she's called a "nine in nine" challenge, running nine half-marathons in nine weeks for the charity which helped her through her darkest days, Mummy's Star.

She and a group of friends will complete the challenge with the Milltown to Moors Half Marathon on October 16 but she's also inviting people to set their own "nine in nine" challenges to raise money in their own way.

They've also staged half-marathon runs starting from Muse bar, in Uppermill, which is supporting the cause.

"My thinking was nine months of pregnancy is hard enough, even if you're not diagnosed with cancer, but if a woman can cope with the severe challenges of that as well then as fundraisers we should give ourselves nine challenges of our own to honour that," said Eva, who won a Pride in Oldham Special Achievement Award, in 2014, and has also tirelessly fund raised for Breast Cancer Care.

"We dedicate every run to a Mummy's Star mummy and tell their individual story to make it poignant. At the start of every run we hold up a sign with the mum's name on it and during the last mile or two we think about that particular mum and what she's been through - it is a huge motivation.

"At the Great North Run it was really tough because of the heat.

"At the last mile I was really struggling and nearly gave up but then I thought about the mum we were dedicating the run to.

"She's got three children and she's now got secondary cancer. She's fighting the biggest battle anyone could face and it made me realise I've only got to run a mile then I can have a shower and go home to normality.

Reality

"That got me through. It's hard hitting but that's the reality of it and I was one of those mums four years ago."

"When I was diagnosed there was zero support until Mummy's Star came along two months later.

"I was one of their first mums so the charity is very close to my heart.

"They put me in touch with other mums who were going through the same thing as me and that peer support really helped. It's isolating to be diagnosed with cancer when you're young but even more so when you're pregnant.

"The charity also offers grants to mums in need which is why we're raising the money. Anything from help to pay someone to clean the house to childcare and hospital parking costs while they're having treatment.

"Mummy's Star helps out with whatever the mum needs."

As well as being supported by 11 mum friends, the mum-of-four's own family has rallied with her children, Libby (7), Matty (5) and Sam (3) setting their own nine challenges.

Libby is running a mile a week for nine weeks, Matty is learning nine spellings and Sam is swimming nine lengths ­- all are facing the gruelling challenge of giving up sweets for nine days!

"It's a very inclusive fundraiser because it's basically up to the individual to choose their challenge," said Eva.

"We've got someone cycling coast to coast in nine hours, someone sold nine cakes, another is eating nine chillis in nine minutes; it doesn't matter what challenge you set yourself.

"We'd really like to get schools on board from running relays to reading nine books. That would be great to get them fundraising as well.

Strong
"My close friends are doing the half marathons with me.

"It's okay, it's do-able, but ironically every run we've staged in Saddleworth there's been a heatwave so it's been hard going.

"You do get an incredible sense of achievement when you've done it though.

"My friends have been a huge motivation. They were there for me when I was diagnosed, looking after my children, cooking for me and being there when I needed them, now they've come together for me again.

"They're a very strong group of women who've helped me so much."

On October 9 the "nine in nine" challenge is staging an event at Dovestone with the involvement of Mossley Running Club.

For more information on that and other events go to the crusade's "nine in nine" Facebook page.

To get involved call Eva on 07960-009 932.

You can donate at www.justgiving.com/Evaroyle.

• Check out more pictures of Eva Royle on our picture sales page.