A CARING mum who has just finished chemotherapy is urging everyone to Stand Up To Cancer as she battles through treatment for the disease.

Elaine Lennon had her final chemotherapy session last Monday, having previously undergone surgery after being diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year.

The 53-year-old, who lived on Dunbar’s Cedar Street, now faces 15 sessions of radiotherapy and is teaming up with her daughter Carrie to appeal for more volunteers to sign up to help for a few hours a week at Cancer Research UK shops across the country.

Elaine was working at the Cancer Research UK shop on Edinburgh’s Raeburn Place when she was diagnosed with breast cancer on May 24.

But beating cancer got personal long before that unforgettable day. Her younger brother, Greig Hannan, also of Dunbar, was a talented musician and only 40 when he died in September 2007 from kidney cancer.

Dad-of-three Greig played lead guitar in the Setting Sons, a classic punk covers band he had set up, and the 40-year-old postman, of Ash Grove, was well known in the town and had played for the town’s junior football side Dunbar United, as well as Cockburnspath FC.

Elaine, whose parents, sister and brother still live in the town, said: “It’s time to join the rebellion against cancer. Stand up, stand out and help save lives.

“I miss my brother every day. It makes me feel angry that cancer has taken someone so special from our family at such a young age.

“That’s why I’ll do everything I can to smash cancer, to raise money to save more lives, more quickly by helping scientists move closer to the day they find a cure.

“I’ve been counting the days until my last chemotherapy treatment. It’s an essential step towards putting cancer behind me.

“I think it’s really important to tell my story to urge others just to visit the doctor and get themselves checked out if they do notice anything unusual about their body.

“The earlier cancer is detected, the better doctors are able to treat it.

“I’ve had constant love and support from family and friends through all of this.

“My husband Alan has been a rock and I’ve benefited from fantastic advice from Carrie, who is much more sensible than I am. She’s my daughter but also like a best friend, too.”

Every day, 85 people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland.

By joining Stand Up To Cancer, supporters across the nation will be uniting with doctors, nurses, scientists and celebrities to generate funds, raise awareness and help accelerate progress in life-saving cancer research.

Elaine has fundraised tirelessly all through her cancer treatment, even organising a Stand Up To Cancer fashion show, as well as taking part in Edinburgh’s Race for Life 5k earlier this year.

Elaine’s daughter Carrie, who is area trading manager for Cancer Research UK, is hugely proud of everything her mum has achieved.

She said: “Mum is always looking for ways to help and would love to be raising funds 24/7.

“She is the most passionate and caring Cancer Research UK team member.

“The fashion show she organised this year was our most successful yet. She’s also the best mum in the world and I’m so proud of her.”

Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK’s spokeswoman in Scotland, said: “We’d like to thank Elaine and Carrie for standing out in the fight against cancer.

“One in two people in the UK will develop cancer at some point in their lives and there’s still much more to do to ensure no-one’s life is cut short by this devastating disease.”

To find out more about volunteering at Cancer Research UK’s shops, visit www.cancer researchuk/shop