A CHESTER couple who have both faced cruel battles with cancer will be guests of honour at this year’s Race for Life event.

Jane Mann was just 31 when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer more than 20 years ago following a routine smear.

After undergoing surgery to have a full hysterectomy, Jane, now 52, breathed a sigh of relief when she was given the all clear.

But in a cruel twist of fate, her husband David was diagnosed with prostate cancer six weeks ago after undergoing blood tests at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

Since then the 64-year-old has started a course of tablets for his treatment which will be followed up with radiotherapy at Clatterbridge Hospital in July.

But on Sunday, May 19, the couple will set the runners off at Delamere Forest’s Cancer Research Race For Life event which raises millions of pounds each year to help defeat cancer by funding life-saving research.

And Jane, who will be leading the warm up ahead of the race as well as participating in the event, wants every woman across the North West to join her.

The grandmother, a Rosemary Conley diet and fitness instructor, said:

“Race for Life is a fantastic event. I’m really looking forward to warming everyone up at the start with some aerobics and zumba and I am a keen runner so I will really enjoy completing the race.

“Taking part in Race for Life is my way of fighting back against cancer and I’m so grateful for the research that has helped me and now David - I want to help others by supporting Cancer Research UK’s work.”

She added: “When I was diagnosed with cervical cancer I was only in my early 30s and it was a real ordeal, but I am living proof that you can beat it – and now I can support my husband David through his battle with the disease.

“We both feel really positive. I have beaten cancer and I know that David can too.”

Last year, 1,679 women took part in Race for Life at Delamere Forest. This year, organisers need 1,800 women and girls to stride out to help raise £100,000 for vital research.

Registration for the Delamere Forest event closes on Thursday, May 16, and a Race for Life event will also take place at Chester Racecourse on Sunday, June 23.

TO ENTER Race for Life today go to www.raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050.