A Bicester woman who was diagnosed with secondary cancer just two weeks before taking part in a charity event said she is "determined to smash" her treatment.

Jeanette Watts, 64, shared her story after completing her 18th MoonWalk London, an event organised by breast cancer charity Walk the Walk.

Even though doctors advised her to reduce her walk to the event's 'Half Moon', a 15.1-mile route due to her diagnosis, Ms Watts said she still had a "fab" time.

Oxford Mail: Jeanette Watts (right) alongside Walk the Walk’s founder and chief executive Nina Barough (left)Jeanette Watts (right) alongside Walk the Walk’s founder and chief executive Nina Barough (left) (Image: Walk the Walk)

She said: "I was disappointed that I couldn’t do the Full Moon (26.1 miles), but had to do the Half Moon instead, due to a health hiccup and medical advice."

She added: "I’ve had breast cancer twice myself, firstly, 30 years ago, when I was only 34 and then again at the end of 2020. There was no history of breast cancer in my family, so it was a big shock both times.

"However, just two weeks before this year’s MoonWalk, I was diagnosed with secondary cancer and will be starting treatment soon, which I’m not looking forward to.

"I’m determined to smash it anyway."

Ms Watts was joined by her daughter and sister, who signed up last minute to support her in the challenge, as she dressed for the event's 'fiesta' theme.

She continued: "My daughter and sister signed up last minute for the walk to support me, and when I got to the finish line after completing our 15.1 miles challenge, I said, "can we go again?"

She has already signed up for the Walk the Walk event next year, which she takes part in to spread awareness about the disease which affects both men and women.

She emphasised the importance of regular checks and staying alert of any body changes.

She said: "Please remember that anyone can get breast cancer - men and women.

"Always listen to your body and check yourselves."

This year's MoonWalk, which has so far raised more than £2 million, saw thousands of women and men wearing decorated bras set off overnight from Clapham Common.

The walkers took part in either a half or full marathon and walked through the streets of London to raise awareness and money for people living with cancer.

Celebrities including EastEnders’ Harriet Thorpe, Heather Peace and Natalie Cassidy, TV presenter Gaby Roslin, and Hollyoaks' David Ames took part.

The 2024 event also saw the introduction of a new five km Zoom challenge, encouraging people of all ages and abilities to participate, as well as a virtual participation option for those unable to attend in person.