A BREAST cancer patient with a passion for motorsport was head over heels with joy after rolling her car for charity.

Katy Venvell, who only took up racing at the age of 37 after her son died, flipped the vehicle at Standlake Arena near Witney on Bank Holiday Monday in aid of Breast Cancer Care.

The 45-year-old from Enstone was diagnosed with the disease in August but is now in remission following a mastectomy.

Miss Venvell, who competes in the saloon rod series, said: “My son Mark, who was 18, died seven years ago and he used to race at Standlake.

“I was 37 with no intention of ever getting into it, but I used to go and watch my brother Pat and he was going to give it all up so I decided to give it a go.”

As well as raising about £350 for charity, Miss Venvell also won Monday’s annual rollover competition and walked away with a trophy, and just one minor injury.

She said: “It was absolutely brilliant, I really enjoyed it. I got lots of support from the crowd – it’s like a big family at Standlake.

“I banged my elbow, but I’ve broken my hands and smashed my kneecaps racing so a little bruise is nothing.

“They say the faster you roll, the better it is, so I just went for it.

“It’s a great charity. More and more people are getting diagnosed with breast cancer younger and younger, so it’s all about breast awareness.

“I was lucky, I had a full mastectomy and didn’t need any chemotherapy. I’m in remission although I’ve had three lots of surgery and need two more.

“My last surgery was only two weeks ago so I shouldn’t really have been out in the car but my doctor knew there was no stopping me.”

Miss Venvell completed the roll instead of taking part in this year’s Race For Life and asked anyone who would like to donate to give to that cause.

tairs@oxfordmail.co.uk For more details visit raceforlife.org