A courageous St Albans mum who has survived breast cancer, is flying the flag for the army of 2,800 women that will be taking part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life in St Albans.

Elaine Davidson, 50, has previously taken part in Race for Life and is urging women to enter this year’s 5k and 10k events.

The mum-of-two was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2009. After finding a large lump in her breast, she booked an emergency appointment with a doctor the next morning.

The following week she was called to hospital for investigation, where tests then revealed she had grade 3 breast cancer.

Elaine went to St Albans Hospital for surgery to remove the lump in May and then received six months of chemotherapy, one month of daily radiotherapy sessions and a year and a half of biological therapy at Mount Vernon Hospital.

She said: "I was lucky that the lump was so near to the surface – if it had been deeper I may not have felt it. Ladies should definitely make sure they’re more aware of their breasts.

"Everyone has lumps and bumps but you need to keep an eye on them and get anything unusual checked out straight away.

"When I first took part in Race for Life, I had recently finished my chemotherapy, so it was an emotional and meaningful day for me.

"It was heartbreaking to read some of back signs people were wearing, but it made me realise just how lucky I was to be there."

Elaine took part in St Albans Race for Life in 2013 with a team of her friends and family.

Organisers hope participants at the St Albans event in Verulamium Park will raise £225,000 this year.

Money raised through Race for Life will help Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists make advances in research, which will help more men, women and children survive The race will take place on Sunday, July 26.