SHE fought and won her own battle against cancer – now a mum-of-two is preparing to hit the York’s streets to raise money for other sufferers.

Joanna Hawkett will join with thousands of others who are set to take part in the Jane Tomlinson York 10K this summer – two years on after she was diagnosed with cancer.

It was news that came as a “huge shock” said the 29-year-old. “I was healthy and there was no history of the disease in my family.”

With two children under the age of two, Joanna said the months of ensuing treatment was difficult as she tried to juggle family life, surgery, and chemotherapy.

“Jake was just two and Sam was only 11 months, and it was very scary to be told I had breast cancer,” said Joanna, of Market Weighton.

“I underwent immediate surgery, followed by six months of chemotherapy and a month of radiotherapy. I lost all my hair, my femininity and my confidence all in one go.”

Now – nine months on from the end of her treatment – Joanna said she is fighting back harder than ever against the disease. “My hair is back and my strength returning,” she said. “I still take hormone treatments, and will do so for five years, but I am doing well and there is no evidence of the disease remaining.”

Joanna wants to take part in the York 10K to get fit, healthy and to raise cash and awareness for breast cancer.

As previously reported in The Press, the Race For All event, on August 2, was launched earlier this month and the organisers anticipate thousands of runners taking part for good causes. “The race will provide me with a goal to get myself back to a high level of fitness, will allow me to feel good about myself again and offers me something positive to focus on,” said Joanna, who will be running alongside her partner, Paul.

“Also, Jane Tomlinson was, and continues to be, an absolute inspiration. If she could get out and do the things she did while having treatment, then I should find this a walk in the park.

“There are no excuses when you look at her achievements.

“Anything we can do to raise money and awareness would be great and I hope to be an example to others and show that a diagnosis of this disease does not mean the end. It is the scariest thing in the world but you have to get up and fight – and anything is possible when you have the love and support of your family.”

To enter the race or to volunteer to help visit www.runforall.com.