WHEN she was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer two years ago, Shirley Maudling was about the enter the hardest stage of her life.

Over a hellish year, the grandmother of nine went through a gruelling set of treatment involving six sets of chemotherapy, intensive surgery and 20 sessions of radiotherapy.

Shirley had two different types of cancer, one on each side, the first triple negative and the other oestrogen positive.

This make up of the disease is extremely rare.

Despite the odds being stacked against her she did not give up and now, cancer free, she wants to help others who have been or

will be diagnosed with the condition.

Shirley, who is 53, said: “The chemotherapy is really hard as was the surgery, but the hardest part was the emotional impact.

“It has a knock on affect with everyone around you.

“I was so worried about telling my grandchildren that I was ill.

“They were amazing, though, when I told them I was going to lose my hair.

“They just said it didn’t matter and that it would grow back.

“Now I have come through it I want to give something back and help others who are just starting out on the journey.”

Mrs Maudling has the honour of leading the survivors’ lap of honour at Cancer Research UK’s Relay For Life, which returns to Colchester in July.

The aim behind the unique fundraising challenge is to bring together communities, families and friends, united behind the aim of beating cancer once and for all.

It is something Mrs Maudling, who lives in Copford, is more than happy to help promote.

She said: “Colchester’s event is still relatively small and so

this year I am chairman of the survivors and we are trying to build the profile as much as possible.

“We want to get it out there so more people sign up with teams, or even just come along as a survivor.”

It may be relatively small in comparison to similar events across the UK, but in its seven previous years the event has raised an incredible £187,000.

As well as the poignant survivors’ lap, the fundraiser includes a Candle of Hope ceremony, and Mrs Maudling will be taking part with a team of 13 people, who have been with her every step of her journey.

Teams raise as much money as possible in the lead up to the overnight event through a wide range of activities - everything from bucket collections to charity balls.

During the relay, walkers take it in turns to make their way round the track whilst everyone else enjoys the carnival atmosphere.

Walkers continue non-stop throughout the night in relay, grabbing moments to rest, eat or sleep whenever they can.

Mrs Maudling said: “It is such a wonderful event, especially with the survivors taking part.

“It is amazing to have got through it all and be clear of cancer and I now know I have just got to get through the next few years then I should be all clear.

“My advice to people would be to take each day as it comes.

You will have good days and bad days.

“Reach out, there are lots of support groups out there and people who are there to help you.

“Life does get better, I promise.”

The Relay For Life takes place at Colchester Garrison on July 27 to 28.

An open evening is being

held today at from 8pm at the

Garrison athletics track clubhouse, in Circular Road North, Colchester, where you can find out more about how to get involved.

To sign up or find out more, visit cruk.org/relay.