Melanie Angold

Mel was diagnosed with life-threatening breast cancer in May 2006, aged 31. She received this devastating news just five months after getting married and only 10 weeks away from qualifying as a teacher. After undergoing surgery, she delayed her chemotherapy so she could undertake IVF, so that in the event of surviving cancer she would have a chance at being a mother. She underwent the fertility treatment even though the delay placed her at more risk. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, herceptin and daily doses of tamoxifen followed. In the last 5 years there have been several scares but on the 31st March this year Mel received the five year all clear. What makes Mel truly inspirational is what she aspired to and has achieved in those 5 years. She has raised nearly £40,000 for a cancer hospital, through countless functions and events including: black tie balls, raffles, auctions, running the New York Marathon in 2010 and walking the Edinburgh 26 mile moonwalk. Her fundraising will even continue this year when she runs the Berlin marathon. She has become a spokesperson for the cancer hospital which has saved so many lives. She has truly put something back into our community. During those five years Mel showed an Olympic spirit which would not be extinguished. She has inspired a whole host of people who have realised that the disease can attack any person, but know that with determination and hope anything is possible including carrying the Olympic torch.