THE FAMILY of a brave Redditch mum, who quit chemotherapy to save the life of her baby boy, will dedicate the town’s Race for Life event to her memory.
Once named ‘the bravest mum in the Midlands’, Cheryl Jalloh died ten years ago saving baby Kaeman’s life and now, the youngster will take the stage at Arrow Valley Park on Sunday, June 12 to dedicate the event to his mum with a speech.
Kaeman’s 17-year-old sister, Kalisha, will team up with her nan, Ann Bartley Carter and Cheryl’s 23-year-old sister, Jenna, to take part in the 5k race for Cancer Research.
Despite being terminally ill with breast cancer which spread to her bones, liver and lungs, Cheryl made every second count by learning to belly dance, visiting Egypt and joining in Race for Life.
In 2005, Kalisha Forrest, aged just six, proudly stood by her mum’s side as she gave an emotional speech to hundreds of women at Bromsgrove Race for Life.
At that moment, Cheryl and her husband were keeping the secret that against all odds she was pregnant with her second child. In order to protect the baby, she decided to give up chemotherapy and died in March 2006, three weeks after giving birth.
Kalisha said: “Mum was my best friend. She was so strong and she always managed to put a smile on her face throughout everything that happened. She’s been my inspiration. I’m really proud to be starting Race for Life in her honour.
“Taking part in Race for Life meant the world to mum. That’s why Nan, Jenna and I want to encourage as many people as possible to join in.”
Cancer Research UK spokeswoman Paula Young said: “Cheryl faced those months with the most incredible bravery and stoicism I’ve ever witnessed and I’ve never forgotten it. Inviting Kaeman and Kalisha onto the stage and dedicating the race to their amazing mum will be a real honour.”
