Bradford family say thank you for cancer funds boost

Shalane Walker, 38, was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 when she was just 33.

She was given the all-clear in September 2020, but was told just two years later that the cancer had returned.

From left, Shalane Walker with her friend, Vikki Jagger-Yousaf (Image: Vikki Jagger-Yousaf)

Following a routine blood test that she was given at work, she went to the doctors in September 2022 and was told that her breast cancer was now triple negative and had spread to the bones in her spine and chest.

Doctors told her the cancer was terminal and she was given an estimated 18 months to two years to live.

Around 15 per cent of breast cancers are triple negative, according to Cancer Research UK.

The couple, who live in Little Horton, have two daughters, Bethany, 14, and Madison, seven.

Shalane’s husband, James Walker, 46, said his wife is a strong woman and is enjoying her life with her family. He added his whole family is trying to maintain a positive outlook despite what they are going through and are making memories together.

He said that despite her diagnosis, Shalane is determined to enjoy her life and is still going to work.

Mr Walker said: “She is really strong. She goes to work every day. She is not letting it get her down. We’re not really talking about it. It’s been hard.

“We’re in a cloud. Sometimes you wake up thinking it’s not real, but it is.

From left, Shalane Walker, her husband James and Shalane's sister-in-law, Tracy Yousaf (Image: Tracy Yousaf)

“The cancer came back about a year ago.

“You get on with things the best you can. The kids know about it.

“We’re taking each day as it comes and hoping that some sort of miracle happens.

“After this diagnosis I’m still trying to pretend to myself that it’s not real. It’s something that I’m going to have to start facing.

“I find it hard to say too much about it.

“You would not expect something like this to happen to someone at such a young age.

“She feels fine. It has been a tough few years.

“She is very popular. She is one of those people who is not afraid to say how she feels. She is a very strong sort of woman in front of people.

“We’re trying to make as many experiences as a family. We’re building these memories.

“The money has helped pay for holidays.”

Shalane Walker, who lives in Little Horton, Bradford (Image: James Walker)

Mr Walker added that Shalane is also receiving experimental chemotherapy, which originates from the USA, to help her with the treatment she is having.

An online fundraising page has been set up by friends and family of Shalane which has already raised more than £4,500.

The page was set up to help fund holidays for Shalane, James, and their daughters in order for them to make happy memories together as a family.

It has helped pay for a family trip to Cyprus and they have an upcoming holiday to Turkey planned. The family has also enjoyed other breaks together.

A post on the crowdfunding page says: “Shalane has been diagnosed with terminal cancer after battling and beating it a couple of years ago.

“Second time round for Shalane so I‘m sure we all agree her and her family deserve some niceties in their life.. ones that could help them forget the situation they’re all facing at the moment.

“To be able to help them all make beautiful memories with a trip of a lifetime or lots of different trips. Just something that makes them all smile.”

Now Shalane’s family has organised a thank you event for those who have donated to their fundraising page and to raise more cash, which will be held later this month.

The thank you party will take place at the Dog & Gun pub on St Enoch’s Road, Wibsey, on Saturday, August 19, and will be held between 2pm and 8pm.

The event, which has free entry, will feature a host of attractions including live music, bouncy castle and a tombola. A fundraising raffle will also be held on the day.

Go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/vikki-jagger? to make a donation to the fund for Shalane’s family.