A CANCER survivor will be stepping out for a good cause next month to raise funds for a cause close to her heart.

Roz Palmer-Bood, 49, was diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2010 and received life-saving treatment at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

Now Roz, who works as a carer in Verwood, plans to take part in the Twilight Walk to raise funds for the hospital’s new Jigsaw Building.

She said: “When I was waiting for a diagnosis it was the worst week of my life but everybody was wonderful. I had a mastectomy but I was lucky; they took the cancer away and I didn’t need to have chemotherapy. Getting checked and finding things as early as possible is so important. I was incredibly lucky, but some people aren’t.”

The planned Jigsaw Building, based at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, will house a new women’s health and cancer unit. The centre of excellence will screen, diagnose and treat patients with breast and gynaecological cancer as well as women undergoing complications in early pregnancy, including miscarriages.

Roz said: “I can’t fault the aftercare at Bournemouth but the new Jigsaw Building will make such a difference. Coming into hospital after diagnosis can be such a frightening experience so to be able to come to one unit where everything is based would be very reassuring.”

The Twilight Walk – a 1k, 5k or 10k stroll along Bournemouth seafront – takes place on Friday, June 7 and is open to everyone. Roz will be taking part with friends and colleagues, attempting the 10k route from Bournemouth Pier to the lift at Fisherman’s Walk and back again.

She is urging others to join in. “It’s a lovely evening; starting early with a warm-up and music to get everybody in good spirits. There’s so much encouragement.”

Registration forms can be picked up from the Bournemouth hospital’s charity office or you can sign up online at bournemouthhospitalcharity.co.uk. Registration costs £15 per person and includes a T-shirt.