A 26-year-old cancer survivor is set to take part in a half marathon in Bournemouth on Sunday.

Bournemouth resident, Khianna Smith was recently diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 26.

She is now running the Bournemouth half marathon in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support to raise awareness about cancer in young people.

Khianna found a small lump on her right breast and went to her local GP.

She said: “Although my GP didn't think anything of my lump, I was persistent and followed my gut and after the third visit they finally referred me.”

She was diagnosed with stage one cancer on July 5 and this shortly turned into stage two.

Two and half months later following surgery, Khianna is now clear of the cancer, with ongoing treatment in place.

She said: “It’s changed my life I’ve got to go back for MRIs every six months for the rest of my life and I’ve got to go on tablets but it’s just the way it is and I’m just trying to raise awareness that it can happen to anybody, when I was in the hospital there was a 19 year old there being diagnosed.

“I thought I was completely invincible, I’m only 26 years old, and how could I possibly have a killer illness. But it’s around and I experienced it first-hand and it was the scariest time of my life.”

“I was tested for all four cancer genes and they all came back negative, I was just unlucky and in the 7 per cent of woman who get cancer under 40.”

Khianna's advice to young people is to check their bodies, go with their gut and try to live a healthy lifestyle.

She is now training for the Bournemouth half marathon with her boyfriend and her friend Abi.

She said: “In light of everything I have now decided to run the Bournemouth Half Marathon for my overcoming journey and for more importantly Macmillian. I would really appreciate it if you can donate to my page to support me in my fundraising and share my awareness to frequently check your bodies. Macmillian go above and beyond to help you through everything. The support they gave me when I was scared of the unknown was incredible.”

In a post on social media she said: “I am extremely healthy now and feeling better than ever. To quote my dad in his last words: “Make every moment count. Stay healthy and live a long and healthy life.”

To donate to Khianna's JustGiving page, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/khiannasmith