A CANCER survivor from Basingstoke is calling for all women to fight dirty to battle the disease by signing up to Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life Pretty Muddy.

Former member of the Solent Ravens cheerleading squad, Linzi Radwell, 24, noticed a lump in her neck after a male team mate fell on her knocking her to the ground during a practise session.

Linzi discovered the unusual lump after checking herself for any injuries. “Initially the lump started to get smaller so I put off going to the doctors,” explained the Oakridge resident.

“But after a month had passed and it was still there, I thought I would have to bite the bullet, just for my own piece of mind.

“The GP took one look and straight away sent me for an Xray and ultrasound scan. He said he was 90 per cent sure it was lymphoma.

“Because the lump was big I had an operation for it to be removed. By New Year’s Eve the test results had come through and I was told I had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

“I thought it would be bad news but it still didn’t seem real. I couldn’t believe it was happening to me.”

Despite losing her hair and juggling her studies in journalism at Southampton Solent University, after six months of chemotherapy the 24-year-old was given the all clear.

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Now Linzi is launching the Basingstoke Race for Life Pretty Muddy, and is encouraging women to take part in the 5km obstacle course, which takes place at Down Grange Sports Complex, in Pack Lane, on June 18.

In June 2013, Linzi finished her treatment and graduated from university with the rest of her class. Then in 2014 she took part in the Margate Race for Life with school friend Katie Birch.

“Running over the finish line really helped me feel like I’d come to the end of my experience and that it was now all in the past,” added Linzi.

“Seeing my boyfriend and my family’s faces at the end meant everything to me. I felt like I had a fresh start.

“I do still worry that it could come back – in the shower I’m always looking out for more lumps – but now I just feel like I’m getting on with my life.”

Every day, around 130 people are diagnosed with cancer in the South East, and that’s why Cancer Research UK is calling on women across the region to fight back against this devastating disease by taking up the challenge.

Cancer Research UK’s London events manager, Fiona Miller said she hopes as many women as possible will take part in the Basingstoke Race for Life event.

She said: “Race for Life events are not competitive. They are not about being fit or fast. Women can complete the Pretty Muddy course at their own pace, clambering, scrambling and laughing their way around.

“It’s about the power and strength of women coming together in a show of defiance against cancer. At Pretty Muddy, when we fight, we fight dirty.”

To find out more information or to enter the Basingstoke Race for Life Pretty Muddy visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.