A BRIDESTOWE woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer as a result of a routine breast screening is urging women across Devon to sign up for Cancer Research UK's Race for Life.

Georgina Hodgson, 52, is a cover manager at Okehampton College. She almost missed the routine screening due to a work commitment, but fortunately decided to reschedule the appointment, despite feeling fit and healthy.

She underwent her mammogram test last autumn. It revealed calcifications in her breast, and a subsequent needle biopsy confirmed breast cancer.

She underwent two operations to remove the cancer during December 2011, and in February, received four weeks of radiotherapy treatment. She has responded well to it, but still suffers from severe fatigue as a result of the radiotherapy. She will stay on the anti-cancer drug Tamoxifen for the next five years, and will undergo regular check-ups. Now she is urging women to sign up for the Race for Life.

The Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is a women-only series of events that raises millions of pounds each year for life-saving research into cancer.

Georgina is taking part in the Plymouth Hoe Race for Life on Sunday June 24 with her daughter, Bekky Mant, and her son's fiancée, Amanda Coombes. Her brother, David, is also raising cash in a John O' Groats to Land's End charity cycle ride.

She said: 'I almost cancelled my routine screening appointment because I was busy and I know lots of people don't keep the appointments.

'I'm so fortunate that I rang up the next day and made another appointment. As a result, the cancer was caught early enough to benefit from the fantastic treatments and medical facilities that we now have.

'As a result of my experience I've been very open and talked and talked about my cancer in the hope that it will encourage people to keep routine screening appointments or get medical help if they feel unwell or notice any symptoms.'

Georgina has run Race for Life before, but this year will be different: 'I think it will be a very emotional occasion and I'm pleased to be taking part with my family, because I couldn't have got through this without their support and the support of my friends and colleagues to whom I am eternally grateful.

'I might be too tired to run the entire course so I plan to walk part of it. The important thing for me is to raise money for research into cancer and also raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis.'

While the money Georgina raises will go to Cancer Research UK, she will be wearing a FORCE top on the run to promote the work of the Exeter-based charity.

She said: 'FORCE supported me all the way during my treatment, and this is my way of supporting them.'

To sponsor Georgina on her Race for Life, visit http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/georginahodgson149">www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/georginahodgson149 To enter Race for Life, visit http://www.raceforlife.org">www.raceforlife.org or call 0871 641 1111.