A north-east cancer survivor who found a hidden talent in recovery has been propelled to national recognition.
Lynsey Christie lost the use of her right arm after undergoing surgery for breast cancer in 2011.
The 39-year-old, from Oldmeldrum, began using weights to slowly rehabilitate her arm – quickly developing a passion, and talent, for powerlifting.
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In August, Ms Christie won the Scottish Powerlifting Masters Championships – setting three national records as she did so – and last month, she finished third at the British Masters in Belfast.
Now she hopes her story of recovery helps others coming to terms with a cancer diagnosis or life after the illness.
She said: “My message is never give up, nothing can be as difficult as what you have just been through.
“Challenge yourself and you might just be surprised at what you can achieve.
“I started lifting to build my arm back up again and took it from there, and it just became a hobby.”
“You’ve got one life before cancer and another, different life after cancer.
“You’re a different person after cancer.
“There are things you could do before cancer that you can’t necessarily do after.
“On the other hand, it’s amazing the things you can achieve with determination and through never giving up.”
