WHEN Marilyn Herbert lines up for the Race for Life in Bolton's Leverhulme Park on Sunday, July 24, it will be a special landmark in her life.

She will be walking the course alongside care staff colleagues from Thurstons sheltered housing scheme in Westhoughton, relatives of residents, and friends from Westhoughton Visiting Service.

But not long ago, she wondered whether she would even be here to take part.

Marilyn, aged 52, is the scheme manager for Thurstons where she lives with husband Tony, and 27-year-old daughter, Carrey.

After passing her 50th birthday she underwent a routine mammogram and was diagnosed with breast cancer.

"It really was quite a shock," she explained. "I had no lump or any other symptoms. My health had been good and I was relatively fit. Tony and I used to go out walking regularly."

A lumpectomy revealed that the cancer was aggressive. So Marilyn had to go into the Royal Bolton Hospital for a mastectomy - complete removal of the left breast. She also decided to have reconstructive surgery at the same time, surgeons using some of her stomach muscle for the reconstruction.

She was in hospital for nine days, and recovered at home over the next three months. "I was just so relieved that they had got all the cancer," she said.

"It had all come right out of the blue, so I was not prepared for it.

"Many other people have been equally shocked by the way it was discovered, but it just shows you how important it is to go for screening."

During her recuperation, Marilyn set her sights on taking part in the Race for Life. "I wanted to do it to put something back for cancer research because everyone had been so good to me at the breast unit and in hospital generally," she added.

Joined by her supportive colleagues and friends, a 10-strong team will now take part in the race, with sponsorship promised from the homes 28 residents.

They will be competing in aid of organisers, Cancer Research UK, alongside local females of all ages and levels of fitness who will make up the 2,000 strong field in the morning race.

The afternoon race at 2pm is also starting to fill up, and organisers are hoping to top the £109,000 raised in last years race. Early signs are that the day will prove to be a record-breaker. Coverage of the event will take place before, during and after in the Bolton Evening News and through our media partners Tower FM.

The two Bolton races are part of 160 similar events all over the country during the summer, aiming to raise £23 million for the charity and its vital work.

It is still possible to enter the afternoon race via the website www.raceforlife.org or ring the hotline 08705 134314.