Friends from Dursley and Cam who fought breast cancer to raise money for charity (From Gazette Series)

Friends from Dursley and Cam who fought breast cancer to raise money for charity

8:30am Friday 3rd July 2009 in

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TWO friends who both won their battles against breast cancer are putting their best feet forward to raise money for charity.

Marion Street, from Cam, and Cheryl Downton, from Dursley, are trying to encourage others to sign up for a sponsored walk for Cancer Research.

The pair became friends while working together at Magnox North, in Berkeley, but have formed a special friendship since both undergoing treatment for cancer.

Marion, 56, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 after noticing a lump just before Christmas.

She said that finding out she had cancer was a huge shock but that swift treatment meant she was soon fighting fit again.

"I had a very negative outlook," said Marion. "People don’t like talking about cancer and I had only tended to hear about people who had sadly lost their lives to the disease.

"I was lucky the cancer hadn’t spread and I then underwent radiotherapy sessions. I am being prescribed medication for five years, which I am still taking."

Cheryl, 46, was diagnosed in 2008 and when Marion heard she immediately wanted to help.

Marion said: "Our friendship has become strong and we meet up regularly with friends and husbands.

"We are living proof that people can beat cancer and live full and active lives. You go through a huge emotional rollercoaster when you have a cancer diagnosis and friends and family play a vital role in helping you to get through it.

"Now we want to urge families and friends across Gloucestershire to take part in the Westonbirt walk and raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK’s important work."

The Westonbirt Midsummer Meander takes place on Sunday, July 26 at 11am at Westonbirt Arboretum and is open to everyone. Families are encouraged to participate and can bring a picnic and their dogs.

Registration is online (£6, concessions £3) and can be done at http://supportus.cancerresearchuk.org/westonbirt-midsummer-meander