Dorset cancer survivors calling for people to 'Race for Life'

In 2019, Nicole Hezlett and Summer Green were both given the devastating news that they had breast cancer.

The two women were complete strangers until they met at Poole Hospital, after both being selected to take part in a Cancer Research UK clinical trial, offering them new, potentially life-saving treatments.

Read more: Dates and venues confirmed for Race for life in Dorset

Nicole said: “If we hadn’t been on that trial, I would never have met her. She gives me such a boost, always encourages me and is such a lovely friend to have.”

Race for Life in Poole last year

Summer added: “I think we were both put there to be kindred spirits and to help each other.

"We’ve cried together, laughed together and we’ll be buddies for life.”

Now, both cancer free, the pair are calling for Dorset to ‘Race For Life’ to fund research that helped them beat cancer.

Read more: ‘A heart-felt message of thanks’ to the fundraisers who took part in Poole Race for Life

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring series events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.  Race for Life events will be held at Baiter Park, Poole on May 14 and The Seafront, Bournemouth on June 12, with Nicole and Summer set to take part in the Poole race.

The runs are open to people of all ages and abilities, with women, men and children able to choose from 3k, 5k and 10k events.

Elisa Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in the south west, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Summer and Nicole for their support.   

“Sadly, cancer affects all of us in some way.

“Everyone has a reason to Race for Life. So, we’re asking people across the region: who will you race for?” 

Anyone who joins between Monday April 4 and Monday April 18 can claim a 30 per cent off the entry fee as part of a special sale by using the code EASTER30.