A ROSSENDALE cancer survivor will be saying a big thank-you to the borough’s hospice by running the Lancashire Pennine 10K.

Mother-of-two Bernadette Gisbourne was diagnosed with breast cancer last year despite a history of good health and no trace of the disease in her family.

The 54 year-old marriage registrar – originally from Newchurch Road, Rawtenstall, but now living in Blackburn – underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery before becoming cancer-free.

She said: “I was not a candidate for breast cancer. I had never smoked, I was not overweight and I had breastfed my two sons until they were 10-months-old.

“I discovered a lump in my breast but I didn’t worry, and stupidly I wasn’t even concerned.

“But then there were tears, shock, silence, reassurances, and stories of other people’s cancer, and it was during this time that I became involved with the hospice.”

Staff at Rossendale Hospice, based in Rawtenstall, met with Bernadette every week to help her overcome her phobia of needles and to carry out reflexology sessions.

She also met with other victims of cancer in the Valley to come to terms with different aspects of the physical and psychological effects of cancer as well as to share her worries. She said: “There is no doubt that the hospice played an important part in helping me to get where I am today.

“People should not be put off by the word hospice because I am living proof that people do access the services and move on with life.

“I have always been blessed in the relationships I have with my husband Charles, my sons, my siblings, relatives and friends but it’s now that matters.

“This day, this hour, this minute, it has to be savoured and I’m happy and blessed to say that almost every minute is enjoyed.”

Her sons Richard, 26 and Ian, 29, will accompany their mum on the run in July.

To sponsor Bernadette visit www.just giving.com/Bernadette-Gisbourne.