A WOMAN who lost loved ones to cancer and beat the disease herself is calling on women who took part in the Dorchester Race for Life to make their efforts count.

More than 1,800 women took part in the event at Kingston Maurward and they are now being urged to make sure all sponsorship money is sent in to support the work of Cancer Research UK.

Sylvia Kimbrey, from West Stafford, was among those taking on the 5km course.

The 64-year-old was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma ten years ago and underwent an intensive course of chemotherapy before successfully overcoming the disease.

Just four years earlier she had lost her sister Beryl to a brain tumour before another sister Doreen was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly afterwards.

Doreen had a mastectomy and made a recovery before helping Sylvia through her treatment.

However, three years later Doreen’s cancer sadly returned and she died at the age of 68.

Sylvia said: “I feel so lucky to have been the one to successfully fight cancer – but always felt guilty that my two sisters didn’t make it.

“They both knew they were dying but always gave me the strength to live my life and be positive.

“My husband and children were amazing during my treatment, as they were dealing with their own fears as well as being strong for me.

“Race for Life is for me about celebrating my life and survival, whilst remembering those we have lost.

“It is also a way of thanking the marvellous team at Dorset County Hospital who got me through it.”

Race for Life event manager Maxine Bateman expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all those who took part in the event and urged them to make sure they get their sponsorship money in.

She said: “It was a fantastic day, full of emotion, courage, tears and laughter as over 1,800 women joined forces to show cancer who’s boss.

“Now I’m asking all the women who took part – and all the friends, family and colleagues who pledged to sponsor them – to transform their passion into progress by returning the money raised as soon as possible.”

For information on returning sponsorship money or to make a donation visit raceforlife.org