An inspirational wife of a retired army major from Chester who beat prostate cancer is gearing up to rouse support for Race for Life.

Jane Mann, 53, who won her own battle with cervical cancer 20 years ago, will lead the Cancer Slam at Eagles Meadow shopping centre on Friday, March 14 between 11am and 2pm.

The grandmother and Rosemary Conley diet and fitness instructor from Chester will lead a fun and energetic fitness routine to up-beat music at Eagles Meadow to encourage women to get involved in the Race for Life 5k event at Alyn Waters Country Park on Sunday, June 8.

She will also be on hand to chat to shoppers and hand out information leaflets.

Proud husband David paid tribute to his wife: “Jane is an inspiration to me on many fronts but most especially this one. Before we were married she had invited me to come and help at Race for Life, and I just remember seeing her inspiring ladies as they crossed the line.

“She’s been a leading light for me - a star actually. Not only to help me through a challenging illness, but also in day to day life.”

David was diagnosed with prostate cancer in March and after undergoing six weeks of radiotherapy he has been given the all clear.

Money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists to advance research which is helping to save the lives of men, women and children across Wales.

Liz Booth, their Wrexham events manager, said: “Race for Life is non-competitive. It’s not about being fit or fast. Most women are able to walk 5k in an hour while chatting and having fun. Or they can choose to jog, run or even dance around the course if they prefer.

“Jane really is an inspirational woman. She’s done a lot to support the race for life and we’re very grateful for all her hard work.”

Jane recalled how her own painful fight with cancer which led to a full hysterectomy, made her determined to make a difference: “I was devastated. For me it was a double hammer because obviously it’s a life-threatening disease and I had a child to look after and I was single

“But at the same time I was challenged with the prospect of not having any more children, and that was devastating as well.

“That was as much of a challenge for me as a woman at that age, as I’m sure it is for ladies who have to have mastectomies and things like that. It is part of your identity. It is your womanhood. It’s who you are.

“I was lying in my hospital bed after the operation and a friend of mine came in and said ‘Why don’t you run the London marathon?’

“ I started thinking that it was quite a good idea, that I needed something to focus on, something to take my mind off of what’s happened.”

Six months later in April 1992 brave Jane was running her first London Marathon. Since then Jane has become an ardent supporter of the Race for Life.

She said: “It creates positive energy all channelled in one direction with all these people giving up their time and their energy to do something to help others.”

Eagles Meadow manager Kevin Critchley said: “We will be delighted to welcome Jane and the team. I am sure they will inspire many others to take part in the Race for Life event."

To enter Race for Life today go to www.raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050.