A WOMAN who recovered from cancer with the help of her family has pledged to run the Imperial Cancer Res-earch Fund Race for Life.

Nicky Lowe was diagnosed with breast cancer last August and underwent surgery to remove both her ovaries as well as having a mastectomy.

But nine months on and "feeling well", Mrs Lowe has raised £1,000 in sponsorship for the three-and-a-half-mile run on Worcester's Pitchcroft.

"Although I have technically recovered, the cancer could come back any day," she said.

"The support I had from my family was the most important thing as cancer is a very selfish disease.

"You only think about yourself while you are undergoing treatment."

But on the road to recovery, Mrs Lowe, of West Malvern, decided she wanted to give something back.

"If it wasn't for people who support cancer research, I might not have received the treatment I did," she said.

Aware

"My friend Penny Curtis and 16-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, who is very aware of the fact that she could be at risk, will be running the race with me."

Husband David and son Alasdair, 16, have also pledged their support by raising sponsorship for the girls.

"They have been positive all the way through this," said Mrs Lowe.

"It's hard for Alasdair to talk about it, but he understands."

Relaxation

The 48-year-old also praised St Richard's Hospice-run Snowdrops, which enabled her to meet other younger women in the same situation.

"We could sit and talk about our experiences or take part in aromatherapy, relaxation and yoga," she said.

The Race for Life takes place on Sunday, June 17, at 11am with a £7.50 entry fee (£4.50 for girls under 16) which covers organisational costs.

Entry packs, for individuals and teams, are available by calling the hotline number 08705 134314 or entering at www.raceforlife.co.uk.

Volunteers are also needed for the event and those interested should call 020 7269 3437.