Woman's lung cancer warning over disease that caused her ex-miner dad to 'break down'
A retired PE teacher from East Boldon has warned people of the horrors of lung cancer years on from the death of her ex-miner dad due to the illness.
Since the diagnosis of her dad, George Cook, in December 2005 with advanced lung cancer, Ann Walsh, 66, has dedicated herself to raising money for Cancer Research UK, along with awareness of the perils of the disease. Heartbreakingly, since then she also seen her mum and sister die of the disease.
George died in April 2007. To mark Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Ann told his story.
She said: "My dad had been a heavy smoker from the age of 14-years-old. It was just something that generation did, but he’d chosen to stop when my children were born and he was in good health.
"But in December 2005 he developed a persistent cough that he just couldn’t shake. He had been sent for scans and he and my mam had gone to the hospital to get the results. I remember ringing my mam after to see what the doctors had said and she just said ‘you’d better come round’. I knew then it wasn’t good."
George was then told he had advanced lung cancer and just two years to live. Ann continued: "My dad had such a physical presence. He was such a big, strong man, but that day I saw him break down in tears for the first time and it was heartbreaking."
Despite chemotherapy, George's illness continued and he died in April 2007. Ann added: "He was doing well at first and had even managed to make it to his beloved Blackpool to celebrate his 70th birthday. But the treatment and the disease were starting to take their toll.
"He went to the hospital for a routine appointment where he had a bad turn and was suddenly very sick. He was admitted to hospital and sadly two weeks later he died."
Over the years, Ann has helped raise around £1 million through her support of the Jarrow Relay for Life - which she has chaired - for Cancer Research UK. In 2022 she was even awarded a British Empire Medal for her fundraising effort.
Ann said: “After he was diagnosed I took part in Race for Life and while there a member of staff told me about a new event starting in Easingwold, North Yorkshire. My daughter Rebecca and I went along and the rest as they say is history.
"I signed up to bring the community fundraising event Relay for Life to Jarrow, and it was due to take place for the first time in July 2007. Sadly, my dad never got to see what he had inspired or what we’ve gone on to achieve as a community. He would be so proud.”
During the awareness month, researchers from Cancer Research UK have found how, thanks to improved screening in the North East over the past half-century, around 30,000 deaths due to lung cancer have been avoided. The charities - and Ann - want to see this increase yet further.
She said: "It’s heartening to hear the mini victories and big wins that are being made in the fight against lung cancer. That’s down to the power of research, which is clear in the number of lives that have been saved in the region.
“But, after losing my dad, and tragically since then my mam and sister to the cancer, I know all too well not everyone survives this disease. That’s why Cancer Research UK’s work is vital to keep making new discoveries that will help beat this terrible disease. I feel my family’s absence every day, so I want to do everything I can to help spare others from heartache like this."
Cancer Research UK's North East spokesperson Lisa Millett said: “From uncovering the causes of lung cancer to pioneering drugs to treat it and campaigning for change, we’re powering progress for thousands of people affected by lung cancer – all thanks to the generosity and commitment of our supporters. But our work isn’t done.
"We want to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer – no matter who they are or where they’re from. So, we’re grateful to Ann for sharing her dad’s story and helping to highlight why we must go further and faster.
"This Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we hope people will do what they can to show their support - whether that’s backing our Smokefree UK campaign or donating to help our scientists make the next big breakthrough."