RACE for Life in Southampton is the largest single event of its kind in the country. On Sunday July 13, thousands of women will gather to raise money for Cancer Research UK. It will be a day of high emotion - loved ones remembered and survivors celebrated coming through the disease. There will be great sadness at the loss of so many and immense joy at what can be achieved when people unite for a common cause.

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A STEP AHEAD: Hairdresser Jackie Bellchambers with her husband Kevin and colleague Sarah.

WHEN cancer patient Jackie Bellchambers lost her beautiful long blonde hair to chemotherapy she didn't hide away from the world.

Instead she appeared completely bald on national TV to show that "life goes on with cancer".

Now the Southampton hairdresser - whose efforts in Race for Life have raised more than £1,000 for Cancer Research UK - is taking her inspiring message to the race track.

Jackie, 46, is already preparing for July's Race for Life on Southampton Common where she hopes to jog the 5k route in celebration of those who have survived cancer.

Jackie's battle against the disease began last March when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and underwent surgery to remove the tumour as well as a hysterectomy and chemotherapy.

Since then she has been determined to "keep smiling".

Her positive attitude attracted the attention of ITV producers last March who invited her to appear on This Morning for a new wig and makeover by celebrity hairdresser Trevor Sorbie.

"It was difficult to appear on TV like that," says Jackie who is now in remission. "They showed a picture as I was before with long blonde hair and then one of me with fat cheeks from the treatment and a shiny bald head.

"I lost every bit of hair, even my eyebrows and eyelashes. For a woman that's very traumatic - especially when you have to stand in front of a mirror all day.

"But I'm not vain and I wanted to show people that there are bigger things to worry about and that life goes on with cancer."

Jackie was so happy with the blonde wig Trevor Sorbie styled for her she says she still wears it if her newly grown hair needs a wash!

Now the hairdresser wants to thank her friends, family and everybody at Head Start hair salon in St Mary Street, Southampton, for their support.

Fantastic support' "I'm really looking forward to taking part in Race for Life a second time," she says. "Crossing the finishing line last year was wonderful and everyone, including my customers, has been so fantastic and supportive.

"When you're diagnosed it's a bolt from the blue and you think it's the end of everything.

"I still worry myself sick about the cancer but I'm the sort of person who tries to smile through.

"When you are diagnosed, it's not just you who is diagnosed, it's everybody you love. Being positive helps the people I love to be positive.

"Cancer is something that can effect any of us and when it does you have to get up, get going and fight it. Race for Life is one of the ways to do that."

n Are you taking part in Race for Life this year? E-mail paula.thompson@dailyecho.co.uk or call 023 8042 4484

7:35am Wednesday 2nd April 2008

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