Bexhill friends Race for Life

TWO childhood friends who both overcame cancer ran the Race for Life on Sunday as part of their campaign to give something back.

Jane Humphrey, of De La Warr Road, and Mechele Midwinter of Pebsham completed the Eastbourne Half Marathon in 2007 and the London MoonWalk on May 16. They hope that Race for Life, which took place in Alexandra Park on Sunday, will increase the 500 total they have already raised for cancer charities.

Both women have strong motivation to help. Mechele contracted cervical cancer when her third child was born, and had to raise her baby whilst fighting the disease.

Jane was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, finishing radiotherapy in February.

She said: "I felt that I wanted to get fit again, and I wanted to give something back to the Macmillan Nurses and the staff at the Conquest hospital, who were so good."

The pair grew up together, attending the old Bexhill Down School. The picture shows them aged around ten, having taken part in a fundraising race for Bexhill Athletic Club.

A few years ago they jointly decided a challenge was needed, and trained for the Eastbourne Half Marathon.