GIRLS around the town are getting ready and set to run the Race for Life next month for Cancer Research UK.

Hundreds of women from the area will dust off their trainers in the last weekend in May to hop, skip and jump their way around a 5km or 10km course around Lydiard Park.

Among those taking part this year is 61-year-old Barbara Hunter from Eldene, who was recently given the all clear after treatment for breast cancer after she was first diagnosed in 200 , when she found a lump under her right arm.

The mother-of-two said: “It was a terrible shock when I was diagnosed. I just couldn’t believe it was happening to me.

“Hearing the words ‘you have breast cancer’ hit me very hard. The treatment was difficult – especially losing my hair.

“It was tough as I felt weak and tired from the chemotherapy. But all the love and support really gave me the strength to carry on.

“My daughter was my rock. I would not have got through it without her.”

This Is Wiltshire:

Barbara Hunter, centre, with left to right, daugher Lisa and grand-daughter, Lucy. Front is grand-daughter Keira

Barabara’s daughter and granddaughter, Lisa Clements, 41, and Lucy Hunter, 17 will also be showing their support by taking on the route with her.

She said: “I hope to raise awareness of this awful disease and encourage people to get checked out the minute they notice anything suspect.”

Also taking part in the race will be a team of six Lydiard Ladies who work at the Park and all have a special connection to the race.

They hope to raise at least £500 for Cancer Research UK.

For Nancy Heath, lifelong learning manager at Lydiard Park and STEAM, the race holds particular significance after two of her bridesmaids were diagnosed with cancer in the same year.

She said: “That was a really tough year and it really did bring it home and it really did affect everyone in the family.

“Sometimes I would go around to cook for the family of my friends because she couldn’t do it for them.”

Kat Dixon, events and hospitality assistant at Lydiard Park and STEAM first came up with the idea that the group should run the race together.

The 23-year-old of Old Town said: “I had a meeting with Cancer Research UK and heard all about the race and the work they do, it is something I’ve always wanted to do and I thought it would be fun if we got a bunch of Lydiard Ladies together to take part.

“So far we have had six people ring up and you don’t have to work here to take part, there are some other people who are thinking about doing it as well.”

To sponsor the Lydiard Ladies, donate through their Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/lydiard-ladies.

  • To find out more about the race and how to get involved, visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050.