CHRISTMAS is the most emotional time of the year for bride-to-be Lyndsey McAteer - it marks the happiest and most heartbreaking moments of her life.
The 36-year-old is currently planning her wedding after her partner Martin O’Connor proposed to her on December 21 in 2017 - hours after a check up revealed she remained cancer free.
But Lyndsey vividly recalls five years earlier when her world was shattered on December 21, 2012 after she was diagnosed with a rare triple negative breast cancer.
Her son Harris was only two at the time.
Before beginning chemotherapy, Lyndsey was offered the chance to have her eggs frozen as doctors explained there was a high chance the treatment would make her infertile.
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But Lyndsey decided not to go ahead with that option as she didn’t want to delay chemotherapy.
Lyndsey’s treatment, which also included mastectomy surgery and radiotherapy, finished in October 2013 and Lyndsey resigned herself to the fact she may not have any more children.
Yet despite the odds, she became pregnant naturally and Ellis was born in November 2015.
Lyndsey said: “Ellis really is a little miracle and proof that cancer didn’t win.
“Something truly wonderful came after something so awful. I hope by sharing my story it will give other people like me hope.
"There is light at the end of the tunnel. I love Christmas but it’s also a reflective time when loved ones who are no longer with us are remembered.
"I miss my own mum so much. I was pregnant with Harris when mum died aged just 47 from a heart attack. I feel so sad Mum didn’t live to meet her grandchildren and I miss her at Christmas.”
Lyndsey’s dad Charles McAteer, 59, will walk Lyndsey up the aisle at her wedding day on April 23, 2021 at the Lochside House Hotel in New Cumnock.
And her best friend, Tracy McNaughton will be maid of honour.
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Lyndsey said: “I remember sitting on the sofa crying after my third chemotherapy treatment.
“I was grieving for my own mum and feeling terrible. I’ll always remember my best friend Tracy saying everything was going to work out.
"She said, ‘Trust me, in five years your life can change so much for the better’, and she was right.
"Life is good and I can’t wait for Christmas.”
And Lyndsey who proudly led a group of family and friends who raised more than £15,000 for Cancer Research UK has vowed to do everything she can to help others with cancer.
She’s launched Mia Bella Boxes, her own business that makes bespoke boxes and gifts has already attracted fans including celebrity influencer Mrs Hinch.
She’s hoping a new candle by Made By Yasmin named, “All the Breast” which costs £20 with £6 from each candle sale going to Cancer Research UK will prove a best seller this Christmas.
Now Lyndsey is supporting the launch of the Cancer Research UK Glasgow Christmas Carol Concert.
Organised by a dedicated committee of volunteers, the concert at Glasgow Cathedral has raised more than £400,000 for Cancer Research UK since it first started in 1999.
Broadcaster and Loose Women presenter Kaye Adams is hosting this year's concert.
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Kaye said: "Christmas is all about family and sadly we know that so many families are affected by cancer.
"The Glasgow carol concert is a wonderful opportunity to come together, to support each other and to help raise vital funds to beat cancer."
The concert will feature readings from Scotland’s national poet, Jackie Kay and historian Professor Sir Thomas Devine.
Britain’s Got Talent star Edward Reid is set to perform.
ScottishPower is the headline sponsor for the event, having helped raise more than £25 million since it launched its partnership with Cancer Research UK in 2012.
The event takes place on Thursday December 5 at 6.30pm. Tickets, which include drinks and canapes, cost £40 each or £100 for a family ticket which is two adults and two children.
See www.cancerresearchuk.org/get-involved/find-an-event/glasgow-concert-of-christmas-carols-readings-2019
To buy an, ‘All the Breast’ candle see www.miabellaboxes.co.uk
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