A family raised over £3,300 for Cancer Research UK through a string of fundraising events.

Shamilla Mirza, a breast cancer survivor, took part in the 5k Race for Life at Heaton Park, Manchester with her son Zakir Fazil, 15, and her sister Nabila Mirza. Meanwhile older son Zain Baig Mirza, 17, worked at the event as a volunteer on the day helping to direct participants around the course.

It was a complete shock to the family when Shamilla, who works at Tesco's, Prestwich was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2015.

She was successfully treated with surgery and chemotherapy and has now made a good recovery. Cancer Research UK played a leading role in helping to develop the drugs that Shamilla was treated with.

Shamilla said: “I could not believe it when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer. I felt like my whole world came to an end and I couldn't stop crying.

"My mother and sister told me that we need to stop crying and to prepare ourselves to fight against cancer. My family gave me the courage and strength to face it.

“The staff at North Manchester General Hospital and Christie's were amazing. They made sure I was fine throughout my treatment. My colleagues, friends and lovely customers at Tesco's, Prestwich were a fantastic support and kept me feeling positive that I can beat cancer.

“I remember having my first chemotherapy session at The Christie on my birthday. I felt that I was gifted with the best birthday present ever and was certain that it was a good sign that I am going to be cured.

“Approximately two weeks after starting chemotherapy my hair started to fall out in chunks. I wanted to take control of myself and decided to shave my hair off rather than allow the cancer to control me”

The whole family has been involved in fundraising for various cancer charities since Shamilla’s diagnosis which have been a great success.

Nabila Mirza, a Property Lawyer at Manchester City Council held a fundraising event in the Legal Services department. Zakir carried out fundraising at Parrenthorn High School and Zain at Holy Cross College.

The family as a team fund raised at Manchester Fort Shopping Park over the bank holiday weekend to kindly ask shoppers to help them raise money for Cancer Research UK and also received kind donations from family and friends.

Shamilla added: “Both my sons have been so positive and really wanted to get involved in fundraising as well as studying hard for their end of year exams and GCSE's. My sister has been a great support to me.

"Whilst going through chemotherapy I lost my sense of taste and could not taste anything apart from oranges and Marks and Spencer’s Salt and Vinegar crisps so she used to get them in specially for me. My mum was also an amazing support. I couldn’t have done it without them around.

“It was so important for me to do Race for Life with my family as they helped me through this. There was a great atmosphere and everyone supported each other on the way round.”

Kirsti Thompson, Race for Life Heaton Park Event Manager, said: “By following Shamilla and her family’s lead, and signing up to Race for Life, women in the North West can make a real difference in the fight against cancer.

"Money raised will help Cancer Research UK scientists and doctors find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease, helping save more lives.

“Taking part in Race for Life is a special and unique experience - full of emotion, courage, tears and laughter. Whether they plan to race their way around the course or stroll to the finish line, every step participants take will help to beat cancer sooner.”

One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives, but the good news is more people are surviving the disease now than ever before. Cancer survival in the UK has doubled since the early 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress.

Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work relies on the public’s support.