A MUM facing her second battle with cancer is to take part in an annual charity run for the disease.

Mother-of-two Rebecca Burns, from Accrington, is gearing up to compete in Blackburn Race for Life to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

This is while she is in the middle of her treatment for cervical cancer.

Rebecca, 38, who carries a faulty version of the BRCA1 gene mutation, had been given the all-clear from triple negative breast cancer at the end of last year.

It followed eight months of treatment including surgery and chemotherapy.

But in January this year, she found out her cancer had come back in her cervix and is now in the middle of her second set of cancer treatment.

Brave Rebecca will participate in the event with her niece Courtney - and friends and is encouraging women of all ages and abilities to follow her lead and sign up.

Rebecca will also speak on stage about her cancer treatment.

Rebecca, of Burnley Road, said: “Even though I’m mid-cancer treatment I really want to be a part of Race for Life. I’ve attended the Witton Park event before I had cancer and, although its raising funds for something really serious, it’s also a lot of fun and very uplifting.

“I need to bring something positive from such a rubbish time and I love helping raising awareness.

“I’m determined to help Cancer Research UK ensure more men, women and children survive and "I’d urge women in Blackburn to come together and unite at Race for Life because every participant can help make a real difference.”

Rebecca, who is mum to Emily, three, and Jack, 20 months, with partner Steven, said it was a 'huge blow' to herself and her family hearing she had cancer for a second time.

She added: "This year was meant to be about having preventative surgeries but instead it’s been more chemotherapy and radiotherapy followed by Brachytherapy.

"The treatments have been very intense and very invasive and I am suffering from fatigue as well as other side effects which is difficult with two small energetic children, but I am determined to beat cancer again and get back to being a full-time mummy. I am looking forward to better days and a bright future down the line with Steven, Emily and Jack.”

Over 860 women have signed up for the Blackburn 5k to date but there is still time to enter the event.

The event – which celebrates its 21st year in Blackburn this year - is expected to raise around £34,000 for vital cancer research.

Blackburn Race for Life takes place at Witton Park, Blackburn on Wednesday, June 27.

To enter Race for Life, visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.