THE TRAGIC loss of her treasured mum and daughter to breast cancer has left Marcia Steele in no doubt about how vital research into the disease is.

Marcia, 55, from Clayton-le-Woods, watched helplessly as her mum died from in 1979. Then tragedy struck again when her daughter was diagnosed in 1990, and died a year later aged 31.

Marcia says she now feels ready to do something positive to try to help other families who may be facing what she had to go through.

She is determined to take her place among the runners in the women-only Preston Race For Life to raise money for the Imperial Cancer Research Fund's pioneering work into female cancers.

Marcia of Mendip Road, Clayton-le-Woods, said: "After my daughter died I was absolutely devastated. It was just so shocking that she died of this dreadful disease at just 31.

"Because of my family history I am now considered to be at high risk and have been told that I have a one in four chance of getting breast cancer.

"I go to a family cancer clinic for regular checks and am taking part in a study using hormone treatment to try to prevent me from getting the disease."

More than 500 women have already signed up for the Preston Race For Life which takes place in Moor Park on Sunday (June 2). The race begins at 10.30am and is open to women over the age of 16 of all fitness abilities. You can walk, jog or run the course, whichever you prefer.

If you want to take part, call the race hotline on 0990 134314. It costs £5.50 to enter and competitors are asked to raise at least £25 in sponsorship.

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