A WOMAN who survived breast cancer has revealed how she is taking part in Race for Life for the 20th year running.

Sheila Slinger, 70, started taking part back in Cancer Research UK’s charity run in 1998 after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in the same year.

And she will be starting this year’s Blackburn Race for Life, which is celebrating its 21st birthday in the town, sounding the hooter to set runners and walkers on their way.

Sheila, who used to work in a nursing home, had retired in 1998 having been diagnosed with breast cancer after attending her first mammogram just before her 50th birthday.

She underwent surgery, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and since her treatment finished she has continued to do well.

Sheila, of Great Harwood, said: “I have been very lucky. The Christie Hospital in Manchester was the best place to be.”

It was just six weeks after Sheila had surgery when she took part in her first Race for Life in Blackburn.

She ran that one but since then Sheila has walked the 5k event surrounded by friends.

This year she will be taking part with her friend Violet, from Billington, near Whalley, who she got to know while they worked together in the nursing home.

Sheila said: “I love the atmosphere at Race for Life.

"It is absolutely ace, really good.

“A whole gang of us started doing it, but now there’s only Violet and me who still take part.

"Violet has supported me since I was diagnosed,” Sheila added.

Sheila’s husband, Robert, has also supported her annual challenge and has cheered her on from the sidelines every year.

Sheila said she has also mislaid some of the 19 medals she has accumulated over the years.

She is now encouraging women in East Lancashire to sign up for this year’s event.

She added: “You can take part at your own pace and it’s a friendly atmosphere. I’d encourage everyone to sign up.”

Sign up for Race for Life now at raceforlife.org, or call 0300 123 0770.

This year’s Race for Life in Blackburn takes place at Witton Park on Wednesday, June 27.