Ayrshire MP's wife fights breast cancer

May 21 2010 by Lorraine Howard, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

Christine Donohoe’s cancer campaign

HE may have punched the air in victory when he won his seat at Westminster.

But throughout his campaign, Central Ayrshire MP Brian Donohoe harboured a secret heartache.

His wife Christine is battling breast cancer.

And this week, school teacher Christine, 60, reveals how she coped with Brian’s election campaign while taking on the toughest fight of her life.

The proud mum-of-two has vowed that cancer won’t take over her life.

And despite gruelling chemotherapy treatment, she says that her social calendar has never been busier.

She said: “Since I was diagnosed, I’ve been out for so many lunches and dinners and catching up with friends, I’ve never had such a busy social life.

“I have to admit it’s a pest, it does get in the way of your life, but I’m hoping to keep going out and enjoying myself as I feel quite well just now.”

Christine, who also faces surgery and radiotherapy, learned the devastating news at the start of the election campaign.

She explained: “I suppose I had hoped it would just be a cyst, but when we were told it was cancer there was so much to take in. I was glad Brian was there to listen for me.

“He had so much on his mind with the election, but I told him we would tackle this a stage at a time and encouraged him to focus on the campaign.

“Usually he is anxious during the run up to the count, but this year I would have to say he was his most relaxed.

“It’s true, cancer does give you perspective on your life.

“And while we were thrilled that he was re-elected, we had accepted that it is a job at the end of the day.”

The popular Irvine teacher said she is overwhelmed by the support from colleagues and friends.

But she explained that telling her two sons, Craig and Graeme, was tough.

She pointed out: “But they have been so positive and I hear from them everyday.

“I never thought I would be sending a text to them telling them ‘it’s okay, the cancer’s only in my breast’.

“They’ve been terrific and in a way it’s good that they’re in their 30s now and not wee boys.”

Christine, who always went for mammograms, hopes her story will raise awareness of the disease.

She said: “You always think ‘it won’t happen to me’.

“I’m glad I didn’t wait for my next mammogram, I’m facing this and it’s so important to push for medical help if you feel something’s not right.”