Former showjumper who battled breast cancer to ride at Carlisle

Meregan Norwood aims to raise tens of thousands of pounds for charity

A LAMBOURN breast cancer survivor is hoping to raise more than £20,000 for research into the disease by participating in a race at Carlisle Racecourse.

Sixty-five-year-old Meregan Norwood will ride in the Edinburgh Woollen Mill Ultimate Ladies Night Monday, August 1.

The fixture is also a world first, as all six races as well as the charity race will be confined to lady jockeys.

Mrs Norwood was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago.

Following a lumpectomy, then a second operation to remove her lymph glands, a long course of chemotherapy which left her “feeling dreadful” and then, finally, radiology, she was given the all clear.

Mrs Norwood will be riding in the evening's first race, a charity event for lady riders.

Lancashire trainer Alan Berry, who has offered her Royal Blade for the event, said: “We're delighted to be supporting Meregan and two such worthwhile causes. Royal Blade is well in himself and won on his last outing and the pair should both have a fun time on the night.”

General Manager of Carlisle Racecourse, Richard Clements, said: “We hope this unique fixture will highlight the talent amongst the lady jockey ranks, whilst providing competitive and engaging racing.

“The fixture is already proving popular as sales are already 1000 up on last year's figure and with the charity race and fundraising activities we hope to raise significant funds for Breast Cancer Care and the Breast Cancer Campaign.”

The event will not be a first for Mrs Norwood.

Having completed radiotherapy in 2009, in June last year

Following radiotherapy at the end of 2009, in June last year she competed in a charity race at Newbury Racecourse on a horse named The Boat Shed, provided by trainer Brendan Duke, raising more than £10,000 for the Spinal Injuries Association and £10,000 more for her nominated charity, Against Breast Cancer.

Mrs Norwood, a former professional showjumper, said: “You have to remind yourself that when undergoing chemotherapy feeling terrible is good; that it's part of the solution, not the problem.

“So I forced myself to keep active, by cycling for a mile every day. When the chemo finished, I was just fit enough to get on a horse and not fall off. Staying active helped me emotionally, too. I wasn't going to surrender to cancer. Riding and remaining active out lifted my spirits.”

She already has £10,000 pledged to her for her ride at Carlisle and is spending endless hours at the gym and riding out in preparation for her race.

Mrs Norwood said: “I hope to beat my Newbury £20,000. In the UK alone someone is diagnosed with breast cancer every 11 minutes but thanks to the fantastic treatment that I received, survival rates are going up all the time.”

Tickets to the Ultimate Ladies Night start from £13.60, which includes the racing and concert. Visit carlisle-races.co.uk or call 0844 579 3002 for information and tickets.