Grandmother-of-two Karen Jones is preparing to tackle the 20-mile Pink Ribbonwalk in May – cheered on by her granddaughter Leah and grandson Theo.

Mrs Jones, 53, and from Woodstock, works in human resources for Thames Valley Probation.

She will be undertaking the Pink Ribbonwalk at Blenheim in honour of her mum Angela Jones, who died from cancer eight years ago.

Mrs Jones explained: “My mum lived in Farnborough in Hampshire and learned she had breast cancer when she was 61.

“I remember our terrible shock and then how deeply she was affected by losing part of her breast through a lumpectomy.

“Mum had radiotherapy and was lucky that the cancer didn’t spread into her lymph nodes, but just a couple of years later, when she was about to get the all-clear from the breast cancer, she learned she had bowel cancer.

“It wasn’t linked to the breast cancer but unfortunately it took her life when she was 69 and just a year away from her Golden Wedding anniversary.”

The mum-of-two added: “I have always supported charities, but have never taken part in an event like the Ribbonwalk before.

“But in the past year I have lost two and half stone, I have got fit and am feeling great.

“I am really looking forward to the challenge of the walk and raising money for a great cause.”

The annual Pink Ribbonwalk sees walkers tackle either a 10 or 20-mile route through the picturesque Blenheim Palace grounds, raising sponsorship for Breast Cancer Care’s continuing support of breast cancer patients.

This year’s event takes place on Saturday, May 19.

Ms Jones said: “We are a very close family and I am looking forward to everyone being there to watch me do the walk, including my grandchildren and my dad Terry Jones,who is now 79.”

Registration for the Breast Cancer Care Pink Ribbonwalk costs £30 with a fundraising target of £175.

To register or for more information, go to www.breastcancercare.org.uk or phone 0870 145 0101.