AN INSPIRATIONAL mum-of-two from Branksome will be officially starting the Race for Life in Poole Park on Sunday.

Abbe Bladdon, 37, is a special guest at the event for Cancer Research UK, starting from 11am, after recruiting sons, Lewis, nine, and Blake, six, to support her during daily radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer.

She said that she did not know how to ensure that the boys were not traumatised by the news, or how to ensure they were not upset at seeing her lose her hair through chemotherapy. Eventually, she and husband, Paul, decided that their sons would help to cut her hair and shave it off.

Abbe said: “I always had long hair and they had to come to terms with me losing it. First I had a crop hair cut and after church on the Sunday before I started chemotherapy, I gave the boys scissors and clippers to shave off the rest.

“It was quite tough for me, but the boys loved it. When I was diagnosed, everything was taken out of our control as a family.”

She said that to be able to determine when and how just one thing happened, was really important to them.

“When I was first diagnosed, I felt like the bottom of my world had fallen out. I was very scared and couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.

“Now I want to share my story to urge women to check their breasts on a regular basis as I realise early detection is vital.”

Abbe will be joined by over 20 people who make up Abbe’s Angels, on June 22, which includes mum and sister, Linda, and Victoria Hunt.

Event organiser, Elizabeth Frisby, said: “I am delighted Abbe will be playing a special part at the Poole event. Inspiring people like Abbe prompted Race for Life’s rallying cry, ‘Cancer, we’re coming to get you.’”

Elizabeth added that while the morning 5k event is full, places are still available for the afternoon 5k at Poole Park.

For more information, go to Raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050.