LOYAL Liz Reynolds will be adding to her medal collection next month when she takes part in her 15th Race for Life event.

The retired teacher first took part in the fundraising series in 1998 when she signed up with a group of women from her husband’s work.

And ever since, Liz has been hooked on walking the 5km route between Bournemouth and Boscombe piers with friend Cherry Gibbons to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK.

Organisers say Liz is one of the event’s most loyal supporters and to mark her amazing achievement they have invited her up on stage at the Bournemouth event on Sunday, June 17, to show off her medal collection.

Liz, who taught at Ferndown Upper School for 19 years before retiring in 2007, said: “There were only 400 of us that first year.

“Over the years I have seen it grow and the atmosphere has improved as the years have gone on.

“I have taken part in rain, sun and wind.

“I have worked out that I will be 70 in the year of my 21st Race for Life – and I fully intend doing that.”

Liz, who has lost several close family to the disease and had a cancer scare herself when she was 40, added: “So many people are affected by cancer.

“Taking part in Race for Life is my way of doing something positive.”

To enter the Bournemouth Race for Life on June 17 or Poole event on June 24, visit raceforlife.org or call 0871 6411111.

You can also visit bournemouthecho.co.uk and view our special Race for Life section.