Yvonne’s on the march for cancer

Mar 2 2012 by Andy Newport, Paisley Daily Express

A BRAVE mum who collapsed and died before doctors managed to bring her back to life now hopes to become a lifesaver herself.

Yvonne Crawford’s heart stopped after she suffered a blot clot in her lung.

Medics were able to resuscitate the 38-year-old single mum following the frightening incident, which took place just days after Christmas.

Two months on, Renfrew woman Yvonne is firmly on the road to recovery and has now turned her attention to helping people who are battling cancer.

She has joined forces with her pal Lynsey McAlemey to organise a Moonlight Ribbon Ramble, which they hope will coin in thousands of pounds for Breast Cancer Care.

Yvonne has persuaded around 90 pals – who will don fancy dress as part of a pink theme to highlight the fight against breast cancer – to take part in tonight’s sponsored walk from one end of Renfrew to the other.

Sadly, she won’t be able to participate herself as doctors have told her to put her feet up.

Yvonne told the Paisley Daily Express: “I’m under strict doctor’s orders to take it easy and, unfortunately, that means I won’t be able to take part in the walk, which is sad.

“I collapsed after suffering a blood clot in my lung just after Christmas. I actually died briefly but the doctors managed to revive me and now I’m on the mend.

“It was scary stuff for my family but I missed all the drama because I was conked out!

“The most important thing is that it worked out okay in the end. I’m feeling much better and now I’m looking forward to the Moonlight Ribbon Ramble.

“I may not be able to join in the walk but I will be there, following on in the car and taking photos!”

Yvonne and Lynsey were both inspired to organise their 1.8-mile sponsored walk from Abbotsinch to Ferry Road after seeing friends and family battle with breast cancer.

Lynsey’s mum Anna survived her own tussle with the disease last year but Yvonne’s gran Helen sadly passed away after succumbing to an illness which claims over 12,000 lives a year.

The duo’s friend, Linda Gibson, is currently fighting her own battle with breast cancer and is undergoing a course of chemotherapy in a bid to knock it into submission.

And Yvonne hopes that, by raising money for charity bosses at Breast Cancer Care, she can lend a hand to the experts currently searching for a cure.

She said: “Breast cancer affects so many people – everyone will know a friend or family member who has been touched by it.

“Our friend Linda is battling it right now and will be joining in the sponsored walk.

“Hopefully, by raising as much money as possible, we can help to find a way to beat cancer for good.”

Charity walkers bedecked in pink wigs and fuchsia jackets will start off from the Abbot’s Inch pub in Renfrew at 8pm tonight before making their way through town towards the Ferry Inn, in Clyde Street, where a function room has been set aside for a post-walk party.

Anyone who would like to join in the walk should head along to the Abbot’s Inch car park just before 8pm.

They will be asked to make a £5 donation towards the fundraising efforts, although kids under the age of 16 can take part for free.

You can also donate by logging on to Yvonne’s charity website online at at www.justgiving.com/user/ 31089786