WHEN health worker Tracey Courtnell took part in the Race for Life in Oxford last year, she was in the middle of receiving cancer treatment.

Now she has recovered, and is urging women to raise thousands of pounds for Cancer Research UK by taking part in Race for Life events in Oxfordshire this summer.

Ms Courtnell was treated at the Oxford Cancer Centre at the Churchill Hospital last year, and is preparing to take part in Race for Life in the University Parks in June.

Last year, more than 5,000 women took part in Race for Life events in the Parks and walked, jogged or ran the 5k course to raise £344,364.

This year, 2,511 women have already signed up to take part on Saturday and Sunday, June 5 and 6, and the charity is hoping 7,500 women will help hit a fundraising target of £470,000. A third event is at Broughton Castle, near Banbury, on July 25.

Ms Courtnell, 45, who lives in south Oxfordshire, will be running the race for the fifth time.

She said: “Last year I was in the middle of my own treatment when I ran the race so it took me about an hour to finish the course, but I used the occasion to raise lots of money.

“After getting cancer, I needed an operation, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I was treated at the new cancer centre and the staff were extremely helpful.

“I could not fault anything, from the diagnosis right through all the follow-up appointments.

“Staff at the centre were extremely busy but they were also very compassionate.

“Whatever you are handed in life, you have to deal with it and I’m a very positive person.

“Cancer these days does not have to be a life sentence and that’s what people need to remember.

“Cancer Research UK is such a fantastic charity and the research makes a real difference to people’s lives.

“If I had got cancer 20 years ago I might not still be around to tell this story, and I hope I will still be here when I am 90.

“When you get cancer it is sometimes harder for the people around you than it is for you, but my family and friends helped me through it.

“I started doing the Race for Life events after I lost my father George aged 76 to cancer in 2002.

“This year I hope to raise more than £100.”

Becky Ryczowski, Oxford event manager for Race for Life, said: “Race for Life in Oxford has an unforgettable atmosphere, with women of all ages, shapes, sizes and fitness abilities coming together to make a positive difference to the lives of people touched by cancer.

“They motivate and inspire each other to complete the 5k, with many simply walking round, chatting and having fun.”

affrench@oxfordmail.co.uk Women in Oxford can enter Race for Life at raceforlife.org or by calling 0871 641 1111.