Mum stars alongside DJ in film to say '˜thanks millions'

Susan Lemon with Edith Bowman kicked off the celebrations by taking a spin on a giant Â£10 million record to mark the milestone.

ScottishPower employee Susan Lemon (42), from the Baljaffray area in Bearsden, who fought cancer last year.

She was chosen to join Scottish presenter Edith in the short film produced by the energy company, which brings to life their employees’ efforts in raising an amazing £10 million.

Susan was given the difficult news that she had breast cancer in 2015 and underwent both chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

It was a tough time and she wanted to shield her two young boys from worry, so didn’t tell them about her treatment until it was complete.

Susan said: “When you are told that you have cancer, time literally stands still. Your life completely changes and you start thinking the unthinkable.

“For me, having to face up to the fact that I might not be there to see my boys grow up was terrifying.

“I had a tough fight on my hands but luckily I came out the other side – so many don’t.

“With ongoing fundraising and research, I believe that Cancer Research UK will discover new treatments and cures for cancer.

“I’m so proud of everyone at ScottishPower for being part of helping to make this happen and can’t thank them enough for all working together.”

Edith Bowman lost her young cousin, grandfather, grandmother and two uncles to the disease. Her mum Eleanor was also diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004 through a routine mammogram and is thankfully now cancer free.

Edith said: “The fact that one in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer at one point in our lives is a shocking stat.

“But it’s a harsh reality and we all need to work together to ensure that more people survive.

“It means so much to me to be in the film and be part of an event that will help bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.”

ScottishPower launched a three-year partnership with Cancer Research UK in 2012 with the aim of raising £5million. Two years later they had smashed this goal and reached the £10million milestone in just four years.

Funds have been generated through a range of initiatives including the Race for Life, Shine and Stand Up To Cancer campaigns; sales of a ‘Help Beat Cancer’ energy tariff and everything from bake-offs to bike-athons as well as the latest employee fundraising initiative – ScottishPower does Strictly. To see the film go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHgWXcBfEc4