A MUM-of-two who fought two battles with cancer within a year says she felt every day was like Groundhog Day.
Melanie Griffiths underwent six months of chemotherapy in 2011 after she discovered the lump in her breast and is now focused on helping other women fighting cancer.
She will speak about her experiences with the disease before starting the Race for Life at Ragley Hall on Thursday (June 16).
She is also set to start the race at Stoneleigh Park on Sunday (June 26).
Just months after returning to work as head of service improvement at Warwick Hospital following her first battle, Melanie was diagnosed with a new cancer in her other breast.
The 49-year-old said: “It was very difficult to cope with.
“We were just getting back to normal and then all of a sudden every day was like Groundhog Day.
“I started chemotherapy treatment exactly a year and two days after the first dose.
“It completely takes away that feeling of invincibility you have. “You’ve got to remind yourself to be grateful for every day rather than have the expectation you’re going to live to 100. “That’s hard to get your head around.”
The second time she was diagnosed, Melanie was referred to the Shakespeare Hospice where she received physical and emotional support.
She is now determined to promote the importance of early detection, diagnosis and the importance of research into cancer.
Melanie added: “Now I feel ready to reach out and support others.
“I was so lucky to be supported by some amazing people and organisations but I’m sure not everyone is so lucky.
“The cancer journey is a tough one and no one deserves to travel it alone.”
Visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770 to sign up or find out more.
