A Reading mother, who was diagnosed with deadly laryngeal cancer while pregnant, has defied the 99% miscarriage odds to raise a healthy family and is now preparing to champion a major cancer fundraising event.

Danielle Emery, 39, found out she was pregnant just moments before undergoing crucial surgery to remove her rare cancer.

Emery related her shocking journey: "I never thought I would get cancer but I’m proof it can happen to anyone.

"I see myself as one of the lucky ones and want to encourage people to take part in Race for Life, to help us fund research for successful treatments for all cancers."

Her inspirational tale provides hope against grueling statistics: every year, approximately 55,800 people in the South East are diagnosed with some form of cancer.

Retelling her diagnosis, Emery detailed: "I was diagnosed after years of suffering from a hoarse voice and being told it was laryngitis.

"After undergoing a nasal endoscopy, biopsy, and further tests, I was eventually told that it was cancer."

The fact that she was pregnant during the surgical removal of her cancer only further complicated her situation.

Emery went on: "I only had a few minutes to decide what to do, but opted to go ahead with the operation to remove the cancer.

"Thankfully the baby was okay."

After numerous health scares and multiple bouts of cancer, her son Callum was born fit and healthy.

However, Emery had to undergo further surgeries in 2021 due to the reemergence of her cancer.

She noted: "This time I was told they needed to remove my entire left vocal cord.

"An hour after my operation, my voice returned and I cried with relief.

"Since then, I’ve been cancer-free and have gone on to have my fourth baby, Sienna."

Echoing the importance of the Race for Life funding event, Elisa Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in Berkshire, said: "We are grateful to Danielle for her support and know her story will make an impact on everyone who hears it.

"We’d love for as many people as possible across Berkshire and beyond to join us at Race for Life.

"Walk, jog, run or take on the course however it suits best."

Since its commencement in 1994, Race for Life has rallied over 10 million participants, consequently funding 30 years of life-saving cancer research.

Danielle Emery's courageous journey is a reassuring testament to the event's importance, marking a stark cue for everyone's involvement.

Andy Curran, Chief Executive of Standard Life, the headlining sponsor for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, said: "We are incredibly proud to continue as headline sponsor for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, with the opportunity to encourage participation across the country.

"By working to raise funds for life-saving research, we can move towards a future where people live longer and healthier lives, free of cancer."