By Lauren Sneath

BBC radio and television presenter and Knutsford resident Rachael Bland will be the guest of honour at Race for Life in Tatton Park next weekend.

Mother-of-one Rachael, 39, works for BBC 5 Live and BBC North West Tonight. Since her breast cancer diagnosis in 2016, she has been presenting live videos on social media documenting her treatment for breast cancer and keeping a blog called ‘Big C Little Me’.

Rachael said of her unique approach to the illness: “When I was diagnosed with cancer, being a journalist I thought I’d write about it. My blog is all about my experience of cancer and my mission to punch it square in the face.

“During my treatment I’ve been determined to talk about and help demystify cancer treatment so it will be great to talk about this on stage at Race for Life Tatton Park too.

“I know many of the women who take part will have their own experiences of cancer and so I’m hope it will be a positive day where we are all determined to help others by raising money for Cancer Research UK.”

Rachael recently reached the milestone of finishing four and a half months of chemotherapy treatment at Macclesfield Hospital for her condition, which will now be followed by radiotherapy.

Cancer Research UK is calling on women in the north west to fight back against cancer, as around 110 people are diagnosed with cancer in this region every day.

June 24 and 25 will see women entering events like the Race for Life run through Tatton Park and the ‘Pretty Muddy’ course, both of which have 5k and 10k options.

Alison Barbuti, Cancer Research UK’s north west spokesman, said: “We are very pleased to have Rachael start our Race for Life Tatton Park.

“Race for Life isn’t about being the fittest, fastest or first over the finish line. We need women of all ages and abilities to sign up. It’s the taking part that counts whatever women raise.

“Our aim is that one day everyone will beat cancer. The more women who Race for Life, the sooner that day will come.”