A CANCER survivor from York who lost her brother to the disease while he was in his twenties aims to mark the tenth anniversary since her diagnosis by running the annual York Race For Life.

Sue Ellis, 54, of Melrosegate, had a mastectomy in 2003 after being diagnosed with breast cancer earlier that year.

After making a full recovery, Sue said she was now committed to looking after her health and raising money to help those affected by cancer.

She said: “I had a mastectomy in 2003 just as the last war in Iraq was starting. I remember coming round and hearing that a maternity clinic had been bombed and I realised things could be a lot worse for me.

“They got all the cancer out with the op so there was no need for chemo or radiotherapy. I had a reconstruction in 2005 and am trying now to live a healthier lifestyle running and going to the gym and playing golf while working full time.”

Sue said she ran her first Race For Life in 2002, the year before her own diagnosis.

“I was running for other people with cancer – my brother died in his twenties. I couldn’t do it in 2003 but I did it in 2004 and have done it every year since 2006. It’s incredibly emotional for me because it’s a celebration of your own life.”

Sue said she considered herself to be “lucky and blessed” and described staff at York Hospital as “angels.”

She said: “You get chosen to be in the cancer club – you can’t put your hand up and volunteer but once you are a member you are with people who really value life and health. You fight to live – that’s just what you do.”

The Cancer Research UK Race for Life takes place on Knavesmire on Sunday, June 2.

For more details go to www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org