A MUM who was diagnosed with breast cancer at just 32 is calling on the people of East Lancashire to sign-up for a charity fun run.

Jen Whittaker, who lives near Edisford Bridge, in Clitheroe hopes as many people as possible will register for the second Burnley and Pendle Fundrun.

The event, which will be held at Towneley Park on Sunday September 17, will raise cash for Cancer Research UK and local cancer charity CARES (Cancer Awareness, Rapid Early Support).

Mrs Whittaker was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. She and husband Dan had already faced a difficult year just prior to her diagnosis as their baby boy Finley had been very poorly with a virus which attacked his lungs, and he had to go on an assisted breathing apparatus with oxygen support.

The family had been in and out of hospital several times.

Mrs Whittaker had struggled to breast feed Finley and had been suffering from pain in the right hand side of her chest for around a year, but doctors initially believed she had a swollen muscle.

When she developed further problems including a sore nipple and discharge, she was sent to the breast clinic for a scan.

Mrs Whittaker was shocked to be diagnosed with breast cancer after receiving the results of a biopsy and a mammogram, which showed cancer in four separate spots in her right breast.

She needed to have surgery to remove her right breast. Further tests proved the cancer had spread into her lymph nodes.

Mrs Whittaker, who works for a housing association, faced chemotherapy at Burnley Hospital and radiotherapy treatment at the Rosemere Centre in Preston.

Genetic tests revealed she has a faulty version of the “CHEK2” gene, which can increase a person’s chances of developing breast cancer.

Mrs Whittaker is now 34 and is back at work. She has annual check-ups and will remain on medication for the next decade.

She said: “I had amazing support from my family, friends and work colleagues. I remained optimistic and positive because it’s the best way to deal with a challenge.

“Diagnosing cancer early is really important, and I am also keen to support research because of the genetic mutation I carry.

“I hope as many people as possible will sign up for the Fundrun and raise as much money as possible for two amazing charities.”

Leah Mitchell, fundraising manager for Cancer Research UK in East Lancashire, said: “We hope people will feel inspired by Jen’s inspirational personal story and register for the Fundrun which will be even bigger and better than last year. Both CARES and Cancer Research UK rely entirely on the support of the general public, so raising money at a local event like this is absolutely vital.”

Registration is now open at www.burnleyandpendlefundrun.com. Early bird prices are available. Participants can choose a 5k or 10k route.