An inspirational mum who has spent the last two years battling cancer is set to play a starring role at the UK's first ever Race for Life Twilight in Norfolk.

Michelle Barnett, 37, of Ellingham, near Bungay, has been chosen to start Cancer Research UK's new 5k night time event at the Norfolk Showground on the evening of October 5.

And she is urging local women to join her in the fight against all cancers by entering as soon as possible.

Depsite her own cancer diagnosis, the mum-of-two has taken part in the last five Race for Life events in Norfolk and, together with friends, raised over �6,000.

Now she is issuing the rallying cry 'it's all of us versus cancer' to mums, daughters, sisters, grandmas and friends, encouraging them to join her on the big night on Friday, October 5.

Like its traditional sister event, Cancer Research UK's Race for Life Twilight is women-only and non-competitive.

Women can choose whether to walk, jog or run the 5k route. Most are able to walk 5k in an hour and all women are welcome, regardless of whether they are taking part on their own or as part of a group.

Race for Life Twilight will raise thousands of pounds for life-saving research to help beat 200 types of cancer – helping men, women and children across East Anglia survive.

Michelle was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer in December 2010, and underwent a mastectomy on her left side followed by an intense course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy during 2011.

Further complications meant she needed a hysterectomy in March this year but she made a good recovery and was looking forward to starting a new business venture following breast reconstruction surgery in July.

'I felt I'd lost a large proportion of my life and I didn't want to lose any more time so I decided to take preventative measures for the future,' said Michelle.

Despite needing ongoing treatment and monitoring from the hospital team Michelle is determined to keep fit and plans to take part in her second Race for Life event this year.

'Without the work of Cancer Research UK I wouldn't be here now so I'm honoured and excited to play a role in the new Race for Life Twilight event,' said Michelle.

Organisers are encouraging participants to dress up and dazzle for Race for Life Twilight by adorning themselves with all things that glitter and glow.

Around 700 women are expected to step out in shimmering display of light at the Norfolk Showground and help raise a fantastic �38,500 for Cancer Research UK's life-saving work.

Gemma Turpin, Cancer Research UK's Norfolk Events Manager, said: 'We're urging women of all ages, shapes and sizes to join the moon and stars and enter the first Race for Life Twilight in Norfolk. It's all of us versus cancer and we need you to join the fight as soon as possible!'

Cancer Research UK receives no Government funding for its ground-breaking research. So money raised through Race for Life Twilight is crucial to the pioneering work of doctors, nurses and scientists who are fighting cancer on all fronts.

To join Norfolk versus cancer, enter Race for Life Twilight at www.raceforlife.org/twilight or call 0871 641 1111.