AFTER suffering from three different cancers, and enduring endless hospital appointments, treatments and operations, a Lowestoft mother-of-two is preparing for her next big challenge.

In July, Janine Hunter will be aiming to 'give something back' and help save the lives of others by raising vital funds for Cancer Research UK.

The selfless 26-year-old, from Britten Road, will be marking the first anniversary of her remission from the 'awful disease,' which she has been battling for more than eight years.

After being first diagnosed with cervical cancer after a routine smear test when she was 17, Janine soon had to be operated on again after the cancer spread to her womb.

'I have had eight cancer-related treatments on my cervix and womb, as well as two minor and one major operations, a tumour removed from my stomach, both my breasts removed after lumps were found, about a dozen biopsy sessions, quite a few coloscopy procedures and chemotherapy,' she told The Journal. But while the former model has suffered more misfortune than most people do in their lifetimes, she said: 'I honestly can say that having seen other ladies during chemotherapy sessions I don't consider myself lucky.

'One in eight women develop breast cancer and, having had it now, I feel I have helped out seven other women who can't get it.

'I am young, and have been mentally prepared to fight cancer – now I'm in remission I want to help more people beat cancer,' she added.

And so, on July 19, Mrs Hunter will be joined by her nan Lilian Oxley – who has been with her every step of the way throughout her hospital appointments – on the start line at the Race for Life event in Kings Lynn

'I'm doing this because I'd really like to now give something back,' Mrs Hunter said.

'The Race for life is only a couple of days off the first years anniversary of my clearance (from cancer).

So I'm very eager to be able to be a part of something so wonderful, and to make it better my nan is doing it with me!!

'My thoughts are with those directly and indirectly related to this awful disease, but there is light at the end of the tunnel – I had some amazing support to help get me through losing both breasts and chemotherapy and I'm only here because of them – there is always hope,' she admitted.

In September 2008 The Journal reported how Mrs Hunter – or Miss Long as she was then – had embarked on a parachute jump to raise money for St Mark's Church in Oulton Broad, and for a breast cancer charity.

Now raising further funds for charity, this time for Cancer Research UK, 'many different events' are being planned up until the 'big day' on July 19, as she aims to raise as much money as possible.

There was a barbecue this week, and other events are already in the pipeline.

'I'm really looking forward to the Race For Life and giving something back – and with everyones' help we could make our fund-raising target and hopefully save a life!' said Mrs Hunter.

She sent out 'heartfelt thanks' to everyone who has been 'extremely supportive' and helped throughout the 'whole traumatic period' – her husband Nick Hunter, children Jourdain-Janine and Logan, her parents Karen and Keith Barber, nan Lilian Oxley and granddad and her friends, to whom she's 'really grateful' to all.

If you would like to sponsor Mrs Hunter, you can pledge donations online at www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/janinehunter2201

Her unique reference number for ensuring this is a valid race entry is 5845710.

Alternatively, if you would like to submit any ideas, or materials, for fundraising ventures in the run-up to the event e-mail her on jayjitsu@hotmail.co.uk