WHEN Maggie Love’s daughter messaged her from the other side of the world at five o’clock in the morning suggesting a chat – and to make sure her husband was present – she thought she was about to announce she was getting married.

But what daughter, Beth Naylor (pictured below), 37 – who lives in Hong Kong – had to tell Maggie was that she had just been diagnosed with cervical cancer.

“I had contacted Beth via my laptop where we could see each other and my usually bubbly, beautiful, daughter was in pieces,”

says Maggie, 61.

“She was sitting crying. I knew I had to stay strong for her, but it was the most devastating day of my entire life.”

Beth had regular smear tests. A year before, a test showed up abnormalities but a follow-up test was clear.

Following her next annual check-up last November, Beth was sent for further tests which confirmed she had cancer.

Four months on after treatment, Beth is in remission and Maggie plans to celebrate by taking part in Race for Life in Southampton.

Daily Echo:

She hopes other mums and daughters in particular will support this year’s event.

She is taking part with her sister, Marilyn and cousin Rosalyn Rowthorn, who live in the city.

“I have taken part in Race for Life twice and I love the atmosphere, but I expect this year to be the most poignant and emotional ever,” says Maggie.

Beth moved to Japan after graduating from Southampton University. She returned home five years later but itchy feet and a teaching job took her to Hong Kong where she has lived for the past ten years.

“Beth told me she had to go into hospital the next day and have part of her cervix removed,” she says.

“She didn’t want me to fly over as she was coming home for Christmas”.

But as she was recovering from surgery and trying to get back to normal, doctors told Beth she had to have her lymph nodes removed straight away.

Although the cancer had not spread, further surgery left Beth very poorly.

“Her partner, Erlik, and marvellous friends over there drew up a rota to ensure someone was with her all the time she was in hospital.

“The thought of coming home – and her positive attitude – got her through it.

It is a lesson to us all.

“She was so slim and pale when we saw her. One morning she broke down and admitted it had been a horrible experience and she had been so frightened.

“I couldn't believe she had this horrid disease. She had always been so fit and healthy and had regular smear tests.

“As a mum I will never get over being told my little girl had cancer.

“It is devastating enough, but even worse when they are 6,073 miles away.

“Beth now talks openly about having cancer. She fought it and survived.”

Rachel Northover, the event’s manager, says: “I hope Beth’s inspiring story will motivate others to take part.

“Come and join us and hit cancer where it hurts.

“Don’t be fooled by the tutus and tiaras. Race for Life is cancer’s worst nightmare.”

  •  To enter Race for Life today go to raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050.