Dudley cancer survivor to complete triathlon in Cradley Heath (From Halesowen News)

Dudley cancer survivor to complete triathlon in Cradley Heath

11:11am Friday 30th October 2009

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A BREAST Cancer survivor is preparing to complete a gruelling triathlon at Haden Hill Leisure centre in Cradley Heath this weekend.

Kaye Kirby of Netherton will be joined by family and friends on Sunday as she tries to raise awareness of lymphoedema.

Starting at 8am Kaye will swim 100 lengths of the swimming pool, cycle for 10 miles and then will finish with 10 miles walk.

Kaye was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago and after the operation started suffering from chronic swelling which is known as lymphoedema.

She has been treated by the Dudley Lymphoedema Service and was offered treatment with a sequential gradient pump which has reduced the swelling and allowed her to take up sport again.

Kaye said: “I am now fortunate enough to have my own pump, but the Lymphodeoma Service has only a limited number of pumps.

“I hope that our initiative will be able fund another one and most of all we would like to raise awareness of what lymphodeoma is and what options are available for patients.”

Kaye and her son’s girlfriend Chloe Bowden are doing the triathlon and have already raised around £1,000 which will go towards a new pump.

Mary Warrilow, lymphoedema specialist nurse, said: “We’re delighted to see Kaye in such a good shape.

“The pump treatment gives fantastic results to our patients. We keep our fingers crossed for Kaye and we hope we’ll be able to treat more patients soon.”

For more information about the Dudley Lymphodeoma Service on 01384 365014 or e-mail lymph@dudley.nhs.uk.

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