Young mum's courageous fight against breast cancer

Audrey Allan from Bishopbriggs was lucky in some respects as the disease had been caught at the very early stage, but she admitted it still came as a bolt out of the blue following the diagnosis on May 4. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy which she says has some unpleasant side effects.

The former Meadowburn Primary School teacher, who was running her own business prior to the shock news, decided to turn a negative into a positive and has also managed to raise £2,500 for the specialist Beatson cancer treatment centre in Glasogw by holding a cake and tea party at the same time as she braved the hair clippers.

The 34-year-old said: “I wanted to turn a negative experience in to a positive one so decided to ‘Brave the Shave’ as a fundraiser for the Beatson Hospital as it is a terrifyingly busy place and so many people in Glasgow will be touched by their wonderful work. I then planned a little tea party with friends and family to cheer my kids up.”

Audrey who is married to Stewart has two children Eva (7) and four-year-old Logan.

She added: “I was completely overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of my friends and family, their love and support have fuelled my ability to stay happy and positive.

“I smile and laugh everyday even though I’m battling the hellish symptoms of chemotherapy including extreme insomnia which is a very under supported side effect of treatment.”

As part of her fight back Audrey has also set up an Instagram and Facebook page dedicated to telling her cancer story. People interesting in understanding Audrey’s journey can find her at ‘Cancerwithasmile.’

Audrey added: “Social media has really helped me connect with other cancer patients all over the world and we all boost each other. Shaving my head actually gave me the confidence to promote my Instagram and Facebook page publicly which I hope will help others have a better cancer journey and raise awareness. Cancer may be tough but boy are we tougher!”

One of her good friends Karen McSorland, who along with her family has been there to help Audrey through some of teh more difficult times, said: “Audrey is amazing. I’m so proud of my lovely, beautiful friend. You are inspirational raising so much money for a worthy cause”

However this is not the end of Audrey’s fundraising as she plans to do more charity work in the future to raising awareness and help those with words of encouragement.