A CANCER survivor and mum of five is leading the charge to encourage women across the county to sign up for the Race for Life.

Sheela Cousins is still undergoing treatment after breast cancer but was one of the first to sign up for the July 12 event.

The Witney resident was diagnosed with cancer in October 2013 and still faces reconstruction surgery on Saturday after having chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a mastectomy.

Ms Cousins, 49, said: “At first the GP thought it was an infection but it didn’t go away with antibiotics so I got checked out.

“I didn’t have a lump but I had a hardened, weighted area at the base of my breast and my nipple was leaking.

“On Hallowe’en the doctor said it was cancer.”

Just two days after finishing her radiotherapy the project co-ordinator led a team of her friends, colleagues and daughters in last year’s Oxford Race for Life.

Mum to Jessica, 29, 27-year-old twins Oliver and Scott, Jasmine, 24, and 19-year-old Jennine, Ms Cousins said the 5km course was more meaningful having gone through cancer herself.

She said: “It was very different, much more poignant.

“I have done other Race for Life courses since 2006 but it was done for others. That time I was included as a survivor.

“I felt buoyant afterwards. That was the first time I had taken part as a survivor and I felt on the crest of a wave.

“It was very moving.”

The annual Race for Life through Oxford University Parks will raise money for Cancer Research UK, which supports research into cures and treatments for all kinds of cancers.

Women can get a taste of the event and a chance to sign up at the charity’s Battle HQ in Bonn Square on Sunday, April 26, from 10am.

They will be encouraged to join in a special boot camp-style fitness routine led by the Battle HQ “drill sergeant” and take part in the race.

Ms Cousins said: “By standing together in the bid to beat cancer, we can fight back against this devastating disease. I can’t wait to take part in Race for Life and show cancer that hell hath no fury like a woman in pink.

“I hope lots of shoppers seize the opportunity to go to the Battle HQ event, find out more about Race for Life and then show cancer who’s boss by signing up.”

“Any women diagnosed with cancer in the Oxford area should be reassured the cancer treatment is incredible.

“The support and knowledge of staff at the Churchill Hospital was second to none.

“I want to raise awareness about the incredible things that can be done these days.”

Oxford Race for Life event manager Kelly Rumble said: “I wish Sheela well as she faces further surgery and I hope her very positive story will inspire shoppers to visit our Battle HQ event.”

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