WHEN mum-of-three Tina Poole was diagnosed with breast cancer her first thought was that she had to get through it for her children.

She did and now Tina's daughters want everyone to know about their 'incredible and fantastic mum'.

Tina, 50, from Nailsworth, recently marked the tenth anniversary of her diagnosis by taking part in Cancer Research UK's Race for Life in Cirencester with daughters, Kayleigh, 25, Jessica, 22 and Tamsin, 20.

The family were part of the formidable army of more than 1,300 participants kitted out in every shade of pink and they raised more than £1,300.

"We wanted to do something special to mark the tenth anniversary of being diagnosed," said Tina, a financial controller.

"I found the whole experience devastating and I was more concerned about getting through it for my children.

"Losing my hair was one of the most difficult parts. Until then nobody outside the family knew I had cancer.

"I have been through a lot and I know people who are going through the same thing now."

Tina also had a party to celebrate her 50th birthday around the same time as the race and guests were encouraged to make donations instead of gifts, which bumped up their total to more than £2,000.

Daughter Kayleigh said: "Mum is such a strong and amazing person and throughout all her treatment she continued to work, look after us and run the household.

"We think she is an incredible woman and a fantastic mum."

Race for Life organisers are now urging supporters to return their sponsorship money to fund vital research into 200 types of cancer to help people like Tina.

Kelly Rumble, event manager, said: "Now the big day is over, I am asking everyone to take one last step by returning the money they have raised so it can go into vital research to help more men, women and children survive cancer.

"Many people don't realise that their entry fee only covers the cost of staging the event. It's the sponsorship money that really makes a difference."

To return sponsorship visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050.