NINE years on from the shattering news she had breast cancer, Beverley Charman has beaten the disease and found a new career helping others.

The 43-year-old will join thousands of women at this year’s 5km Race For Life at Broughton Castle, near Banbury, on July 30. A race will also be held in the University Parks, Oxford, on Sunday, June 26.  Ms Charman from Hardwick Park, Banbury, will take part for the fourth time and will be joined by colleagues from the Banbury Therapy Centre.

The divorced mum-of-one said it was the ideal way to celebrate beating cancer which was diagnosed when she was 35.

The nationwide women-only event raises case for Cancer Research UK and is famous for runners in pink wearing the names of loved ones.

Ms Charman said she went from planning Christmas to learning she had breast cancer in just a matter of days.

She said: “It was November 2002 and I was in the bath on a Friday when I felt something like a hard marble in my breast.

“I worried about it all weekend.

“I’d had relatives who had breast cancer and my aunty had died of secondary cancer.”

Two hours after a mammogram and needle test, which drew fluid from the lump, Ms Charman was given the devastating news she had the disease.

She said: “I thought they were going to say it was a cyst.

“I knew if people started ringing me up, I could start crying and not be able to stop.”

She said one of the most difficult issues was how her son Jack, now 17, would cope if she passed away. But Ms Charman said: “But I also knew I had to be strong and fight this cancer.”

Nine days after the diagnosis one of her breasts was removed. She was given the all clear in December 2002. And after reconstructive surgery, Ms Charman changed her career. She said: “I volunteered to share my experiences with other women considering breast reconstruction.

“Last year I started working at the Banbury Therapy Centre as a receptionist and began studying with the Open University, for a degree in counselling.”

She said: “Race For Life is such a wonderful event. And it raises money for research to find a cure for cancer – something we all want.”

  • To enter visit a Cancer Research UK shop, see raceforlife.org or call 0871 641 1111.