A Glasgow mother who was diagnosed with cancer just weeks after her honeymoon has become the star of a Mother’s Day card designed to save lives.
Sabah Khan’s world was turned upside down when she received a shock Hodgkins Lymphoma diagnosis in 2013, not long after she had travelled to Dubai to celebrate her marriage.
Instead of enjoying her life as a newlywed, Sabha spent the next six months receiving chemotherapy at the New Victoria Hospital.
Aged only 23 at the time, she was devastated to hear that her treatment could potentially impact her chances of having children.
Sabah said: “A few weeks after my honeymoon it was a huge blow when I found out the treatment needed to save my life would carry a risk of becoming infertile.
“At 23, this was a lot to take in and I thought I was far too young to have cancer.
"Following successful treatment and despite all the odds, I was pregnant and cancer-free.
"I’m so fortunate to now have not one but two beautiful children who make me smile every day."
Sabha’s inspiring story is told on greetings cards available now from Tesco stores until Sunday, March 27.
The cards mark the supermarket’s support of Race for Life, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.
With Mother's Day soon approaching, Sabah has been reflecting on how important her family were to her as she bravely battled cancer.
She said: “My own mum has been amazing and strong through it all.
“My family have always been there for me. When I was having treatment for cancer I remember I said to myself, ‘I’m going to do this for my husband and for my mum.’
"Their love kept me strong. I love being a mum and I hope my story will help others.”
Every year, around 33,200 people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland and it's estimated that one in two people in the UK born after 1960 will get cancer in their lifetime.
Money raised at Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.
Oonagh Turnbull, Head of Charity Campaigns at Tesco said: “We hope these cards will inspire others facing cancer and the money they raise will make a difference to so many lives.
“For the last 21 years, our partnership with Cancer Research UK has helped to raise millions of pounds for life-saving research. We hope Race for Life across the UK this year can be the biggest yet.”
Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK spokeswoman for Scotland, added: “We are incredibly grateful to Sabah for her support.
“By purchasing one of the Mother’s Day cards, people can make a difference in the fight against cancer.
“Whether people are living with cancer, taking part in honour of or in memory of a loved one with cancer or signing up to protect their own children’s future, everyone has a reason to Race for Life. Together we will beat cancer.”
The Mother’s Day cards featuring Sabah's story are priced from £1 and are on sale in Tesco stores.
Entries are open now for Race for Life Glasgow 3k, 5k and 10k on Sunday May 22 at Glasgow Green.
To sign up click here.
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