A MUM discovered she had breast cancer by chance whilst she was playing with her young son.

Didcot resident Suzie Walker, 38, only went to the doctor for ‘peace of mind’ after finding a lump in her breast when she was accidentally kicked by Samuel, who was two at the time.

Two years on, she is now planning to walk 10 miles at the Blenheim Palace Pink Ribbon Walk to thank Breast Cancer Care, the charity that supported her through the illness.

The event on May 12 is seeking to raise as much money as possible to help keep the charity’s vital care, support and information services free.

Mrs Walker, an HR manager, said: “We were just playing and he climbed over me and accidentally kicked me in the breast. It really hurt so I touched it and then I realised there was a lump there that I hadn’t noticed before.

“For peace of mind, I went to see the doctor and walked in worrying I was wasting their time. I was referred for tests but still didn’t think it would be anything serious. When I found out I had breast cancer, I had tears rolling down my cheeks. I came home and read my son a bedtime story, then I told my husband – he was as shocked as I was but he was so supportive.”

Mrs Walker had treatment including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery to remove her right breast at the Churchill Hospital in Headington.

Since finishing treatment, she took part in a ‘moving forward’ course which she said helped her to find her ‘new normal.’

She will complete the walk with her husband Ed and said: “I want to give back to the charity. It’s nice to know the money I raise will help other people to get support too.”

The charity’s pink ribbon walk manager, Preena Mistry, has urged others to sign up to complete a 10 or 20 mile walk around the palace.

More than 500 people in Oxfordshire will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and funds raised will help the charity provide a range of services, including specialist nurses and an online support network.

All participants will receive a complimentary hot meal and massage after completing the route. Visit breastcancercare.org.uk