AN OXFORD scientist who is recovering from treatment for aggressive breast cancer is about to take part in her 27th Race for Life.

Dr Anna Sarphie, who lives in Islip near Kidlington, was first diagnosed more than two years ago, having found a lump just weeks after having a mammogram which was clear.

The 47-year-old said: “When I started taking part in Race for Life in 2001, little did I know I would be diagnosed with cancer myself. It feels like I have come full circle.”

The mother-of-two is convinced exercise helped her and her two sons to cope through the difficult time.

“Running my way through cancer showed them I was not beaten,” she said. “Focusing on that helped me through the gruelling treatment. It gave me a goal.”

Dr Sarphie had a lumpectomy and lymph nodes removed before chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

She said: “One of the best days of my life was taking part in Race for Life during my treatment.

“It was amazing. Cancer took away my control over my life but Race for Life was empowering.”

Dr Sarphie, who studied at Gosford Hill School in Kidlington and then Oxford University, went on to complete a master’s degree in forensic psychology during her treatment.

She said: “As a scientist, I understood the implications of everything I went through but having cancer can be a lonely process.

“But it needn’t be and I’m passionate about growing support and knowledge for cancer patients.

“Without research to understand the prevention and treatment of cancer, it would be a losing battle.”

In recent years, Dr Sarphie has been supported by a group of friends called Anna’s Angels.

The group were in the top one per cent of fundraisers in the country for Race for Life after raising £5,800 for 2013’s event.

Several of the Angels have signed up again this year and Dr Sarphie hopes other women from Oxfordshire will help them form a “pink army” at the University Parks on July 12.

Run organiser Kelly Rumble said: “Hell hath no fury like a woman in pink in the fight against cancer.”

To enter, go to raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.

To support Dr Sarphie, go to justgiving.com/owner-email/pleasesponsor/annasarphie