A toddler who is just learning to walk has pledged to Stand up to Cancer for his nana, who was recently diagnosed with the condition.
Sixteen-month-old Kian Telford, who is learning to walk, has been a source of strength to his grandmother Shirene Smith ever since she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
During a break in Shirene’s treatment, Kian was pictured with a placard declaring ‘I’m standing up for my Nana’ to show support for Stand Up To Cancer, a joint fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4.
Together, Kian and Shirene are urging people to back the fundraising campaign and help raise money at work, school or at home.
Kian lives in Dunfermline with his mum Caitlin and his dad Marc, Shirene’s son, and he calls on his gran in Dundee at every opportunity.
The devoted grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer in June, the day after the funeral of her cousin who died from ovarian cancer.
Shirene added: “Being told I had breast cancer was a real shock as I never thought for a minute this was what was wrong with me, given the symptoms I had.”
A regular gym-goer, Shirene had been doing burpies exercises when she noticed something which felt like a bruise. Her breast then became swollen.
Tests revealed Shirene was suffering from grade three breast cancer.
Remarkably, less than a month after chemotherapy treatment started, Shirene was tackling the 5K Race for Life course in Perth, raising more than £3,000.
Shirene’s chemotherapy treatment will continue until later this month and it is expected that surgery will follow.
“Losing my long hair was difficult as I was worried that my grandson Kian wouldn’t recognise me,” she said.
“But he loves the feel of my hair now and so that definitely makes me feel better about it all.”
She continued: “I’m so grateful for the treatment that I am receiving and I really appreciate the power of research.
“And that’s why I want to encourage as many people as possible to unite and join Stand Up To Cancer and help raise as much money as possible.”
Launched in the UK in 2012, Stand Up to Cancer has already raised more than £23.8 million.
Linda Summerhayes, Cancer Research UK’s spokeswoman in Scotland, said: “We are very grateful to Shirene and Kian and all their family for their support.
“Stand Up To Cancer funds translational research that aims to have a real impact on patients’ lives.
To support Cancer Research UK’s Stand up to Cancer campaign, which has raised over £23.8m, visit www.standuptocancer.org.uk.