WITH just a mile of the 2011 Pink Ribbonwalk to go, Pc Craig O’Leary felt an intense burst of sadness for his mum Gina, who had died almost exactly one year before, from cancer.

“But then came a feeling of euphoria,” said the father-of-one from Bicester.

“I was walking with my wife Kerry who had given birth to our son Dylan just four months before, and even though the pain of mum’s death was still so strong, I felt exhilarated that I was doing the Ribbonwalk and was raising money to help other victims of cancer.”

Now he is urging others to sign up for the eighth annual Breast Cancer Care Pink Ribbonwalk, supported by the Oxford Mail, which takes place in the grounds of Blenheim Palace near Woodstock on Saturday, May 19, and will see walkers tackle either a 10 or 20-mile route.

Pc O’Leary, 34, has completed three Pink Ribbonwalks, raising thousands of pounds for Breast Cancer Care’s continuing work to support cancer sufferers.

He said: “My mum Georgina, or ‘Gina’ as she was known, was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 50. It was a terrible shock, but she just resolved to get on with it and after treatment she went into remission.

“Then in 2004 she was diagnosed with secondary cancer.

“She really fought it; and up until a few months before she died on May 24, 2010, she was still walking five miles twice a week with her walking group in Shutford, near Banbury.

“Tragically she died three days before mine and Kerry’s wedding, and we were shattered. But we managed to tell her that Kerry was expecting a baby and she was thrilled.”

Pc O’Leary continued: “The day after last year’s Ribbonwalk I went around to see my dad John, but I was devastated to find him dead.

“He had died just two days short of the first anniversary of my mum’s death.

“He had suffered a blood clot in his bowel. But he had never got over losing mum.

“It has been a very traumatic time for all of us, but I have found that fundraising through the Pink Ribbonwalk and other things we have done for Katharine House Hospice in Banbury, where mum was cared for, has really helped.

“I would encourage everyone to take part. The surroundings are beautiful.”

Registration for the Breast Cancer Care Ribbonwalk costs £30 with a fundraising target of £175. Individuals and teams are welcomed and everyone crossing the finish line is rewarded with a medal and a massage.

* To register or for more information go to: breastcancercare.org.uk or telephone 0870 145 0101.