THREE and a half years in remission is something to celebrate and Kerry Wilcox, 39, from Holsworthy, will be tackling the 5k Race for Life, in aid of Cancer Research, once again this year to celebrate.

After going to hospital with suspected appendicitis Kerry was diagnosed with stage three appendix cancer at the age of 37.

After just six weeks of treatment for this rare cancer Kerry was given the all clear. However, in that time she had two major operations where her appendix, half her bowel and an ovary was removed and damage was sustained to the remaining ovary — this caused early menopause and left Kerry unable to have children.

However, she hasn’t let the cancer get her down, adding: “Hey, I’m still here.”

Kerry will be running in the 5k Race for Life event being held in Barnstaple on July 1. She said she is ‘doing it for herself’, but also for all those who have been affected by cancer.

She said: “This is my second time running the race since I went into remission. However, I used to run it all the time before, just because [Cancer Research] is such a worthy cause. We all know someone, a family member or friend, who has been touched by this awful disease and I think it is important to raise awareness as you always think it won’t happen to you until it does!”

When asked if she was training in preparation for the race, Kerry said: “I would love to tell you that I go out everyday and train but honestly I just turn up and do the 5k. I don’t run it, I do it at my own pace and just go along to prove a point to myself whilst raising awareness.”

It isn’t just about the running though — dressing up is often a big part of the races. Kerry said she had previously dressed up like a fairy to complete the race.

This year she hopes to once again get in the party spirit and try and bring a smile to a few people’s faces: “I’ll probably dress up again this year — I think you have to dress up really, it is all part of the fun!

“It is such a horrific thing, cancer, so you’ve got to have the lighter side, especially for those still battling.

“As long as you make people laugh and can have fun whilst doing it then I think that is ok!”

Kerry is hoping to raise £200 for Cancer Research. To help Kerry reach her goal visit her fundraising page: fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/kerrys-race-for-life-262

To sign up for the Race for Life visit the website www.raceforlife.cancerresearch.org