A Cheswardine community stalwart will defy cancer this summer when she walks for charity with members of her family.
Winnie Goodwin MBE will be joined by family members, including her 16-month-old granddaughter Ebony Davies, for the Race for Life event at Weston Park on July 18 in aid of Cancer Research UK.
Winnie, 63, of Queens Croft, is taking on a five kilometre walk despite being diagnosed with ovarian cancer last October for which she has undergone six rounds of chemotherapy at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.
She said: “I saw the Race for Life advertised and I thought ‘I’ll have a go at that.’
“I knew I would be in the middle of treatment and my family have said they’ll carry me around if I’m not well, but I’m determined to do it. My sister is a member of a walking club so she’s definitely up for it, but the rest of us will be walking at our own pace.”
Winnie received the MBE in 2004 for her work with Cheswardine in Bloom and fundraising for charities, including Hope House Children’s Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support.
She praised people in the village for their support in her own battle against cancer which is still ongoing.
Winnie said: “I fell ill last year and went to the doctors, had some tests and within a very short time, they sent me for a scan at the Princess Royal Hospital, Telford.
Amazing
“Once they found my cancerous tumours, they acted very quickly and I was at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for just over a month having the operation.
“The support I’ve had from the specialists, doctors and hospital staff has been absolutely amazing and they have been marvellous in how they’ve treated me.”
Winnie is determined to continue her work with both Cheswardine in Bloom and organising one of the highlights of Cheswardine’s year - the annual Parish Hall talent show.
She said: “We’re carrying on with the planting to keep the village nice, and we have the talent show booked for October 18. It’s been running for 31 years and I never know what’s going to happen.
“I really have a lot I still want to do, including seeing my granddaughter grow up and I’m hoping I’ll be able to do that.”
To sponsor Winnie, contact her on 01630 661433.
By Winston Brown