Pat relays the good news about fundaising event for cancer

Her treatment took 10 months, which included two surgery procedures, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Next month she will be taking part in the second Cancer Research UK's Relay For Life, which brings people together in celebration and remembrance.

She said: "I know so many friends who I've lost to cancer or who are undergoing treatment.

"I am also part of a breast cancer support group, The 1066 Pink Ladies.

"I know what it's like, having had cancer myself, and it is vital that money is going into understanding, preventing and treating this disease.

"Cancer Research UK is a good cause and I wanted to say thank you to all those people who helped me through.

"I did Relay for Life last year, and thought it was such a wonderful idea. I'm not really a runner, so this is ideal.

"I've done Race For Life '“ which is also a great event '“ but in Relay, it meant that my husband can participate with me. I really felt as it I was doing something to help.

"Last year I walked from 5am to 7am with a friend and it was the most magical time. It was great to see a new day dawning."

Relay For Life was inspired 20 years ago when Dr Gordon Klatt ran and walked around a track for 24 hours to raise funds for the American Cancer Society in honour of his cancer patients.

It is now the world's largest fundraising event and is hosted by 22 countries.

Teams of eight to 15 people take it in turns to walk, skip or crawl around the track for 24 hours at William Parker Sports College.

A non-athletic event, Relay For Life embraces all ages and genders.

The Mayor of Hastings, Cllr Maureen Charlesworth will open Relay which takes place on September 12 and 13, after which cancer survivors will kick off the Relay with a lap of honour.

The evening will be a time of reflection and remembrance. The track will be lined with candle bags with messages and dedications.

The Mayor of Bexhill, Cllr Bridget George, who has worked as a cancer treatment specialist across London, Kent and East Sussex, will open the Candle of Hope ceremony which is a poignant reminder of why everyone has come together for Relay for Life.

There are will be a range fun activities and local entertainment for members of the team who are not walking as well as for the general public.

Pat added: "Relay For Life is such a fantastic event, and I hope that it grows and grows."

Cancer Research UK's Relay For Life is promising to be bigger and better. Already 12 teams have signed up and are hoping to beat the 5,000 that was raised last year.

There is still time to join up. The Relay For Life committee will at Priory Meadow Shopping Centre on August 29 or for more information, contact Nicky Evans on 07891039334 or visit www.relayforlifehastings.co.uk