A WEYMOUTH family blighted by cancer will be supporting the fight against the disease when they take on this year’s Dorchester Race for Life.

Jayne Lilley, 51, will be joined by her five daughters as she takes on the 5km course at Kingston Maurward College on Sunday, May 20.

She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer just six weeks before her husband Steve, a Weymouth fisherman, died from a brain tumour in October 2007.

Joining Jayne on the run will be 27-year-old Laura, who herself had a battle with a rare form of cancer.

She was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma at the age of just 14 and was finally given the all clear after years of treatment in 2008.

Teresa, 34, Zoe, 26, and 24-year-old twins Joanne and Claire will make up the Lilley family contingent at the Race for Life.

Joanne said: “We have many reasons for taking part in the Race for Life. At the time Laura was diagnosed she was only given a 25 per cent chance of survival but she is a real fighter.

“That type of cancer was very rare when she was diagnosed.

“The treatment was very hard but she battled through it and she went into remission.

“All her check-ups and treatment have now stopped.”

Mum Jayne, who also has a son called Darren, had chemotherapy treatment for her cancer but that proved unsuccessful and she is now taking part in a clinical trial at London’s Royal Marsden Hospital.

Joanne said: “My dad battled his awful disease for 13 months but unfortunately he lost his fight and peacefully passed away at home with his family.

“It was a huge shock to all the family when mum was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

“A recent scan indicated she was responding to the new treatment, which is really good news.

“Cancer Research is a big thing for our family. We want to raise money to try and help find a cure for all types of cancer.

“That is what inspires us to do Race for Life and we hope sharing our story will inspire others to enter and raise money for this very good cause.

“We have been through a very worrying and awful time.

“Some of us took part in the Race for Life previously but this year everyone will be there.”

Organisers are hoping to see 2,500 women, many of whom have similar inspirational tales to the Lilley family, take part in the event at Kingston Maurward, which starts at 11am.

Cancer Research UK’s Dorset events manager Sam Beare said: “It’s all of us versus cancer. I hope the Lilley family’s very moving story will encourage others to take part.”

• To sign up for the Race for Life visit raceforlife.org or call 0871 641 1111.

If you are running the Race for Life and want to share your story contact the Dorset Echo newsdesk on 01305 830999 or email newsdesk@dorsetecho.co.uk