A CANCER survivor, who was diagnosed aged only 22, is helping others battle the disease by taking part in this year’s Race for Life.

Becci Dunn, 23, from Thornaby, near Stockton, had chemotherapy and radiotheraphy to treat Hodgkin’s lymphoma while studying a degree.

She will raise money for Cancer Research by running the Middlesbrough Race for Life this summer.

She will be joined by her 26- year-old sister, Gemma, her 51-year-old mother, Carol, and her 73-year-old grandmother.

Miss Dunn was diagnosed with cancer in December 2007, shortly after starting a degree at Leeds Metropolitan University.

Despite six months of chemotherapy, Miss Dunn was determined to continue her degree n Leeds, travelling home every two weeks to have her treatment at Stockton’s North Tees Hospital.

The chemotherapy was followed by four weeks of radiotherapy, which finished in August last year.

Miss Dunn has made a good recovery and now has checkups every three months.

She said: “To be given the news I had cancer was like a bolt from the blue. It was the last thing I was expecting. Initially, the doctors said I would need to put my studying on hold, but I was determined to carry on and I managed to travel back home from Leeds every two weeks to have my treatment.

“The treatment and care I received was fantastic, and I can’t thank the doctors and nurses enough for everything they did for me. I also had amazing support from my partner, Andy, as well as fantastic family and friends.”

Miss Dunn, who is studying to be a dietician, took part in her first Race for Life last summer, despite undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

She said: “After everything I have been through, I now want to do my bit and help raise as much money as I can.”

As well as encouraging North-East women to take part, Cancer Research UK is looking for volunteers to help at race events.

There are still places available at the women-only events in Hartlepool, on June 7, Darlington, on June 14, and Durham, on July 5. To enter, or to volunteer, visit raceforlife.org or call 0871-641-2282.