LORNA Shepherd will be running Race for Life this year to say thank-you to the scientists who helped her mum beat the odds against cancer.

Mrs Shepherd, 27, from Thame, will join an estimated 9,000 women taking part in Race for Life at Oxford’s University Parks on June 26.

And among the spectators will be her mum Gina Matthews, 68, who was told she would not live to see it.

Mrs Matthews, who also lives in Thame, learned she had advanced cancer in 2007.

Specialists gave her a very low chance of survival, but after six months of gruelling, high-strength chemotherapy, her cancer is at bay.

Mrs Matthews said: “I had been feeling poorly for a couple of months before I went to the doctor. I suppose I was afraid it was something serious as I had cancer in my family.

“I was told I had peritoneal cancer which was very rare, but very advanced. The chances of survival were very slim and I was already very sick.

“Even so, the consultant advised I have chemo and it be the strongest type.”

Peritoneal cancer develops in the peritoneum, a thin, delicate sheet that lines the inside wall of the abdomen and covers the uterus, bladder and rectum.

By producing a lubricating fluid, the peritoneum helps organs to move smoothly inside the abdomen.

The Matthews’ broke the news of Gina’s cancer to their five children – Paula, 45, Simon, 43, Louise, 41, Tim, 36 and Lorna, 27.

During her six months of intensive chemo Mrs Matthews spent entire days hooked up to a chemo machine and had to have a blood transfusion before her second round because her body was so weak.

Despite this, oncologists were amazed at her response to the treatment, although Mrs Matthews, who has 10 grandchildren, has been told her cancer will probably return.

She said: “They have told me I won’t be an old lady, but I am just trying to stay positive and getting on with life, including watching my youngest daughter Lorna in the Race for Life next month.

“She ran Race for Life in my honour last year and raised £600. I could not go and watch her then because the weather was too hot for me, but I will be there this year, with her children, cheering her and the rest of the ladies on.

“I am very proud of her.”

Mrs Shepherd, who is mum to Jaydon, five, and Bailey, two, next month, said: “I am running Race for Life to say thank you for my mum still being here.

“It raises money for vital research into all cancers and cancer affects so many families like mine.

“I would love to see as many women as possible signing up to take part this year.”

Last year 6,342 women raised an incredible £363,555 in Oxfordshire.  news@oxfordmail.co.uk *Race for Life 2011 takes place at the University Parks, Oxford, on Sunday, June 26. There is also a race at Broughton Castle, near Banbury, on Saturday, July 30. Women can enter at their local Cancer Research UK shop, online at raceforlife.org or by calling 0871 641 1111.