TWENTY-three officers and support staff from Worcester police station will be joining hundreds of women in this year's Race for Life.

The police contingent are in a team led by Jean Portman, who was 44 when doctors told her she had breast cancer.

This June, the West Mercia police secretary will be doing something positive about the disease and will raise money when she takes part in Worcester's third Imperial Cancer Research Fund's Race For Life event.

Having suffered herself, she knows the importance of raising money for the cancer charity's vital work.

"It was five years ago when I realised something wasn't right and went straight to my doctor, who thought the lump was a cyst," she said.

"I was referred to a consultant and eventually had the tumour removed as well as my lymph glands.

"I thought that was it, but then I discovered the cancer had spread. I had a mastectomy in July 1996.

"I suffered quite a lot afterwards because it didn't heal."

Mrs Portman underwent chemotherapy for six months and then three weeks of radiotherapy.

In December, 1998, she had reconstructive surgery on her breast.

"It was wonderful and completely worked for me. Psychologically, it did me a lot of good,'' she said.

"Things are going really well for me now and I'm looking forward to supporting the race."

Mrs Portman has also encouraged five friends to take part in Race For Life with her on Sunday, June 17.

Anyone who is interested in entering the event should call 08705 134 314, or visit www.imperialcancer.co.uk/raceforlife