STAFF at a Portland surgery will don headbands as part of an obstacle race to raise money for an ovarian cancer charity.

Royal Manor Health Care employees will take part in this year’s Kamikaze Final Sortie run in Mapperton, Bridport.

The race will see hundreds of people tackle obstacles including hills, bogs and rivers.

Money will be raised for Ovacome, a charity that provides support and information for women affected by ovarian cancer, their families and friends.

Healthcare assistant Jan Phelps, said staff were inspired to take part after one of their colleagues, Cathy Hoare, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer last year.

Jan, 36 said: “It’s a teambuilding exercise and to help raise money.

“We wanted to do something for Cathy. I did the Kamikaze last year and I have never had so much fun in my life.”

The team of 18 includes doctors, nurses, admin staff, receptionists and district nurses. The course is a four mile lap. Jan added: “Lots of them said they couldn’t do it but I’m going to make sure they do.

“They will all do it. They will have a great time.”

Jan said she had known Cathy since she was a little girl, when Cathy used to run The Cob Shop in Fortuneswell.

Jan said: “It was a massive shock to us all last year when she was poorly but now she’s come out the other side.”

Cathy, 56, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in October last year. She was given the all clear in January.

She said: “I have been very lucky. Because it was caught so quickly, they have said I should be absolutely fine.

“Cancer research is so important. They’ve come so far. The funding has to be gotten from somewhere.

“Without people raising money and raising awareness I think a lot more people would fall victim to it.

“We’ve come so far in specific diagnoses and it’s all through cancer research.” The race will take place on Sunday, September 7. People can sponsor the staff by filling out forms available at the Royal Manor Health Cen-tre and The Gatehouse Surgery.

Alternatively, they can contact the health centre during afternoons on 01305 820422 for more information.