The arrival of a new baby is an emotional time for any mum.
But, for Sarah Dalgarno, the rollercoaster had only just begun – because, two days after baby Travis arrived, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
The 37-year-old had noticed a lump when she was six months pregnant, but did not tell her family while she was going through tests.
In December 2015 however, doctors confirmed she did have cancer and her family rallied round while she underwent chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy at the same time as juggling life with Travis.
Thankfully, she was given the all-clear late last year, and is now gearing up for the inaugural Great Aberdeen Run to raise money for Friends of Anchor.
Ms Dalgarno, from Fraserburgh, signed up for the half marathon after having the tumour removed.
She said: “I had watched some of the other Great Runs on TV and always wanted to do one, but they were all too far away.
“So, when I heard there was to be a Great Aberdeen Run, I just had to choose it as my first race after recovering from cancer.
“Now I want to show everyone that after a cancer diagnosis, you can still get on with life and it doesn’t stop you from doing things. Hopefully, I can also inspire others who have been ill, to do something like this as well.”
Thousands of people from as far afield as Austria, Canada and Singapore have already signed up for the Simplyhealth Great Aberdeen Run on August 27, with less than 500 places remaining for the 10K.
There is also the half marathon and mile-long family run. All the courses start and finish on Union Street and will take the participants past several landmarks, such as the Beach Ballroom, Pittodrie and Marischal College.
Ms Dalgarno is now in training, and has been running with the buggy – but is getting ready to up her efforts.
She added: “I’ve only been managing to get out once a week at the moment. My partner, Christopher, is very supportive but he is working a lot. He can be away at the back of 6am and doesn’t get home until 10pm.
“I will be increasing my training soon, so I will be calling on all my babysitters. My family and friends are all very supportive.
“I don’t have a specific time in mind for the Simplyhealth Great Aberdeen Run. For me it’s more about getting round, raising money for the cancer charity and hopefully inspiring others to understand that it is possible to do these things even if you have been very ill.”
To sign up, visit
greatrun.org/Aberdeen
