A BRADFORD cancer survivor is encouraging women in the city to pull on their trainers and take part in this year's Race For Life to help beat the disease.

Samantha Allan hopes as many women as possible will join her in the annual 5km event at Lister Park on June 14.

The nursery nurse, who lives with her husband, Nick, and their two-year-old adopted son James in Great Horton, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in March 2010.

She had a full hysterectomy and was left distraught knowing she could never conceive naturally.

"It was a heartbreaking decision. We went over and over it, with family and friends but all of them came back with the same answer, 'we’d rather have you here alive and well than risk the cancer returning'," she said.

The couple married in 2012 and in May last year they formally adopted James.

“He is just a joy, a little force of nature and cheeky chappy. He is everything we wanted in a child,” said Mrs Allan, 30.

But the couple’s happiness has been tinged with sadness this year as their best man at their wedding lost his battle with oesophageal cancer in February and Mrs Allan's 11-year-old cousin has also been diagnosed with leukaemia.

"Once I thought I was too young to get cancer, now I know just how random this disease is. It really can happen to anyone.

"Cancer took away the chance for me to have biological children but screening and early diagnosis saved my life. Now I’m in good health and have dealt with my emotions. I have a loving husband and beautiful child.

"I’m taking part in Race for Life this year because I want to run for everyone cancer touches because I know that with the help of research one day we will find a cure," she said.

By taking on Race for Life, and encouraging their mums, daughters, sisters and friends to join them, participants can improve their fitness as well as help to raise money for life-saving research.

Cancer Research UK’s Bradford event manager Sarah Threadgall said: "We’d like to thank Samantha for her support and we’re urging other women to follow her lead by signing up to Race for Life today.

"Race for Life events are not competitive. They are not about being fit or fast. Instead, they are an amazing way to celebrate life but also remember those who have been lost to the disease."

Last year, 2040 women took part in Race for Life in Bradford and raised £97,400. This year, organisers need 2100 women and girls to stride out to help raise £100,000.

Visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.