A FARNWORTH police officer is swapping her uniform for running gear to take part in Cancer Research UK’s Race For Life.

PC Linda Gavin is making a stand against the disease after being diagnosed with breast cancer aged just 34.

She is now urging other women to join her by taking part in the 5km fundraising event.

PC Gavin, now aged 42, said: “Taking part in Race For Life is my way of fighting back against cancer.

“I’m so grateful for the research that has helped me and now I want to help others by supporting Cancer Research UK’s work.” She will be doing the Race For Life at Heaton Park in Manchester on Sunday, July 14, with a group of colleagues.

A Race For Life event will also be held at Leverhulme Park in Bolton on Sunday, July 7.

PC Gavin, a mother-of-two, found a lump in her right breast in October, 2005, and was referred to Fairfield Hospital for a mammogram and biopsy.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a partial mastectomy that December.

Six months of gruelling chemotherapy was followed by eight weeks of radiotherapy. PC Gavin continued to have regular scans and returned to work in early 2007.

She said: “I had always been a healthy person so when I was diagnosed with breast cancer I really was taken aback.

“As soon as you hear the word cancer you immediately think you’re going to die. I’m so glad that I came out the other side.

“I was so lucky to have the support of my friends and family.

“My children Jennifer, now 20, and James, aged 13, were only very young at the time.”

To sponsor her, go to raceforlifesponsorme.

org/lindagavin.

To enter Race For Life, go to raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050.