A BROMSGROVE cancer survivor is fighting back against the disease by entering a charity event for the ninth time.

Lorrayne Edwards is urging women of all ages to join her and sign up for one of the 5k Race for Life events taking place across the county over the summer.

The 57-year-old was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2005 after discovering a lump.

She said: "I mentioned it to my personal assistant at the bank where I worked and she made me phone my doctor before marching me off to the surgery.

"She physically made me go and also came with me."

The visit resulted in Lorrayne being diagnosed with breast cancer which had also spread into her lymph nodes.

She underwent a lumpectomy, but then needed a wider excision to remove more tissue, followed by months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

“It was a terrible shock when I was told I had cancer," she said.

“It was like a steamroller came round the corner and knocked me over because you don’t expect this to happen to you.

“The whole thing only took about a fortnight, between going to the doctors and having it confirmed, but it felt like two years.”

Lorrayne, who now has an annual mammogram and ultrasound check, ran her first Race for Life just a week after finishing her chemotherapy treatment in May 2006.

She has gone on to take part in every Race for Life event since, and is now preparing for Worcester's Race for Life being held on Sunday, July 6.

Lorrayne added: "Taking part in Race for Life is my way of hitting cancer where it hurts.

"I’m so grateful for the research that’s helped me and now I want to help others by supporting Cancer Research UK’s work.”

Anyone who wants to sponsor Lorrayne is asked to visit justgiving.com/LorrayneEdwards.

To enter a Race for Life’s event in the county visit raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050.