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SOPHIE BUTLER, 40, LOST HER MAM, RITA OXMAN, TO BOWEL CANCER IN 2021 AND HAS SINCE WRITTEN A BOOK OF POEMS IN HER HONOUR 01:00, 27 May 2025 A Sunderland woman has dedicated a heartfelt poem
to her mother after losing her to cancer. Sophie Butler, 40, lost her mam, Rita Oxman, to bowel cancer in 2021 and has since written a book of poems in her honour. The book includes the poem
'Dear Cancer', which reflects on loss and its impact on her family. Encouraged to write by her mam, Sophie has now recorded a special reading of the poem in Seaburn, on the bench
that bears her mam's name. The poem is one of a collection in the book ‘Where Has She Gone?’ that Sophie, who now lives in Manchester, began writing during lockdown 2020, when Rita was
diagnosed with cancer. Sophie is now sharing her story to encourage people to join the Race for Life in the city on Sunday June 1. Sophie, who herself is a mother-of-three, said: “Mam was
diagnosed with bowel cancer in December 2020, but because of lockdown rules I wasn’t able to go and see her. It was awful what her and my dad had to go through without the rest of the family
by their side. It really made the experience even worse. That’s when I began writing as something to do and something to channel my emotions into. “Grief remains a constant battle, and I
miss my mam so much. I feel closer to her in Sunderland, so I always look forward to coming home to Wearside. I hope my book can help other people through their own grief and loss after
cancer. We can all do our bit to help beat cancer by supporting Cancer Research UK and by taking part in Race for Life this summer.” Through book sales and charity walks, Sophie has already
raised over £3,600 for Cancer Research UK, with more donations to come from the sale of each book. Sophie, one of four siblings, added: “Why do I Race for Life? I Race for Life for my mam
Rita. She’s a mam in a million. And I’d give anything for her to be with us today. But by supporting Race for Life, we can help other families facing cancer and hopefully stop them going
through the heartbreak we’ve had to face.” People of all ages and abilities are welcome to take part in the Race for Life at Herrington Park, with 3k, 5k and 10k events on offer. As well as
Pretty Muddy- a 5k mud-splattered obstacle course and a Pretty Muddy Kids option. Lisa Millett, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in the North East, said: “We are so grateful to Sophie for
her support and know her story and poems will make an impact on everyone who hears them. Sadly nearly one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime but all of us can support the research
that will beat it. "We’re proud that Race for Life has had such a positive impact. Every pound raised supports our life-saving work, which has helped double cancer survival in the UK
over the last 50 years. We’d love for as many people as possible to join us at Race for Life. There is an event for everyone and we mean everyone. Our events are non-competitive which means
everyone can have a go- and love every minute. There’s no pressure to finish in a certain time, just give it what you can.” Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken
part in Race for Life, contributing millions of pounds towards life-saving research. Today the charity’s scientists are trailblazing new ways to beat bowel cancer with cutting edge
technology - from using AI to develop a blood test to detect the disease early, to designing a robotic pill called the SampleCam which collects samples of potentially cancerous cells for
testing. For Sophie and her family, progress like this can’t come soon enough. Sophie, had genetic testing after her mam’s death and it was advised that her and her siblings have a
colonoscopy every five years as it was likely they had an inherited gene. She said: “Spotting bowel cancer early saves lives. Research is key, but so is awareness. It’s vital that we put any
awkwardness aside when it comes to talking about our bowel habits. The most important thing people can do is be aware of what is normal for them and speak to their doctor if something isn’t
quite right. It can make all the difference.” Race for Life is returning to Herrington Country Park on Sunday June 1 and anyone who signs up between Tuesday May 20 and Monday June 2 can
claim 30 per cent off the entry fee as part of a special sale by using the code SUMMER30. Enter here. Article continues below JOIN OUR SUNDERLAND WHATSAPP COMMUNITY Join our Sunderland
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