TWO brave - and determined - women lined up for the camera at the Bolton Race For Life launch.

Mary O'Loughlin is 58 and ran in the event last year with friends from Markland Hill tennis club, raising £1,659.

She was inspired to take part after winning her own personal fight with cancer. Three years ago, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to undergo a mastectomy.

But Mary, a Bolton mother of two, was determined to beat it and now lives a full life, including taking part in several sports.

Jill Rogerson, aged 32, who works as a customer assistant at Tesco's Horwich store, is still battling the stomach cancer which hit her over six years ago.

It was discovered by chance after ulcers on the tumour burst, causing Jill to haemorrhage. Surgery took away part of her stomach, but Jill still needs regular check-ups.

This was not her first brush with cancer. Twelve years ago, when she was five and a half months pregnant with daughter Louise, a worrying growth on an ovary meant rare and difficult surgery.

"I was terrified I might lose the baby, but she was all right in the end," recalls Jill.

Although she has suffered various health problems, Jill - who with partner Geoff Huyton also has a son, Michael, now 11 - keeps positive.

"I am just so grateful for everything I have," she insists. "When I talk to customers in the store sometimes I realise that I am a very lucky person. It is best to look on the good side of things and I will enjoy running in the race - even though I don't have much time to train."

But Jill's bravery and dedication have already earned her one accolade: the No.1 spot to start the Bolton Race For Life.