12:40pm Thursday 20th March 2008
By Nazia Parveen
The memory of her mother and best friend will be firmly in the mind of one local woman as she runs in this year's Race for Life.
Pearl Blake, 51, from Brindle, Chorley, is taking part in the Citizen-backed Cancer Research UK Race for Life for the second time after she lost both her mother, Phyllis, and friend Hazel in less than ten years.
The Asda office worker was hit by tragedy when her mum lost her battle against kidney cancer in 1996 and in the same year her lifelong friend was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Talking about her friend Hazel, she said: "She had the cancer removed and reconstruction done on her breast which was successful for a while.
"So to motivate her, I said that I wanted to raise money for breast cancer and that when she felt better we would do it together."
However, Hazel became very weak due to treatment and Pearl was forced to go it alone.
She added: "I was doing it on behalf of Hazel, with her in my thoughts. Walking was a biggy for me to accomplish as I wouldn't even walk five minutes round the corner to work!
"But with God's strength and Hazel's encouragement it was easier." Pearl became one of the top fundraisers at last year's race raising a grand total of £552.50.
Hazel's cancer spread to her brain, spine, kidney and liver and in July last year she passed away.
Pearl added: "She was more concerned about everyone else around her than herself.
"Before she died, she helped many women with breast cancer by listening to them and encouraging them and giving them support in any way that she could. She is greatly missed, but she really is the hero - my hero.
"If my story will encourage others to walk or run for Race for Life, then that is my goal."
The Preston race is on Sunday, June 22, in Moor Park and in Leyland, Worden Park will play host to two races on Sunday, July 6.
Organiser of the Preston Race for Life, Nelson Laurencia, said: "Pearl is a great example to all of us.
"She has lost two people who were very dear to her and she has been incredible in her support for Cancer Research UK becoming one of the top fundraisers of 2007 and taking part again this year."
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