A YOUNG mother, who overcame breast cancer and beat the odds by having a child after her treatment ended, is running in the Race for Life in Darlington.

Yvonne Bryden, from Darlington, was diagnosed with the disease three days before her 30th birthday and underwent radiotherapy, chemotherapy and a mastectomy.

The assistant accountant was already the mother of Connor, seven, but was told by doctors she should not have any more children.

Two years after the surgery, she met husband Andy, and the couple married in 2000.

Despite still taking drugs for the cancer, she became pregnant with Drew, now aged one.

"The doctors said it would be better not to have any more children and then Drew came along out of the blue - he was not planned or anything," she said.

"But he was actually three-and-a-half months early and I don't know if that was related to the cancer."

Mrs Bryden, 36, from Tempest Court, Darlington, will be cheered on by her sons when she takes part in the Race for Life, to raise money for Cancer Research, in South Park, on Sunday, July 13.

"It's a tremendous thing to be faced with, and if by doing the race we can help to find a cure and stop it happening to other women then it is worth it," she said.

Almost 1,300 women have signed up for Darlington's race. To enter call 08705 134 314, or visit www.raceforlife.org