Brave Kim tells of her cancer battle

Kim Kuszka was asked by Cancer Research UK to say some inspiring words to those at this year’s Race For Life in Portsmouth.

She told them of the treatment she is receiving to tackle lung cancer.

She also reminded them of the reasons they were taking part on Sunday – to raise money for the charity’s research work and to remember loved ones.

Kim, 51, sounded a horn to start the 5k race around Southsea Common before she kept up her record of entries in the event. This was the sixth year in which she had taken part.

Her nine-strong Team Kimmy hoped to have raised at least £1,000.

The only difference was the fact she walked rather than attempted to beat her 30-minute time from last year.

All this, just after she had presented Cancer Research UK with a £2,731.78 cheque last Wednesday.

This was the result of her family fun day at Middleton Sports Club last month.

“It was an absolutely fantastic day,” she said. “I was surprised by how many people came along and how much I raised.

“Between 200-300 people turned up. There was a fun run at the start – and I completed a lap of a quarter of a mile – and lunch in a marquee and various stalls.

“After lunch, people sat around watching the cricket match that was being played.

“It was just like an old-fashioned English Sunday afternoon, even though it was on a Saturday.”

Her friend, Rachel Holmes, played a large part in the success by organising many of the day’s activities.

Kim is midway through a six-week course of radiotherapy after becoming ill on holiday in Egypt last January.

Her niece, Georgia Tooley, 14, died from cancer with ewings sarcoma in her spine, Kim’s sister has also beaten breast cancer.