AS a sister at the Manor House in West End, Sheena Tippen spends her days looking after cancer patients.

But the 56-year-old mum of two has a special bond with every person she cares for - she too fell victim to the disease. It was six years ago when Sheena was diagnosed with cancer after finding a lump in her right breast.

"I didn't worry at first. I knew that a high percentage of lumps are not cancerous. I presumed I was one of those people, but it came as a shock when I was told that indeed it was cancer. I had a mastectomy."

Sheena carried on as normal for the next 18 months until she found what she thought was a build-up of fluid on her scar.

Then came the sledgehammer blow that the cancer had spread again. Sheena had to go back into hospital for surgery.

Throughout her radiotherapy treatment she was continuing to work.

"I used to hide in the office so my patients didn't see me. I didn't want them to know because they were obviously going through this themselves."

Chemotherapy was somewhat worse, but Sheena took it in her stride thanks to the support from her family - husband Glyn, 57, daughter Sarah, 33, and son Stephen, 29.

Knowing she was a high risk, Sheena opted to have her left breast removed as well, knowing she would forever fear that the cancer might come back for a third time. Now Sheena, from Petworth Gardens, Boyatt Wood, is preparing to compete in Sunday's Race For Life - for the third time.

"I want to do it because of my own experience. Sooner or later I am sure we will find a cure."

Are you one of the 10,000 women taking part on Sunday? Let us know your story by calling Jenny Makin on 023 8042 4520 or e-mailing her using the link above.