A MOTHER-OF-TWO who was diagnosed with cancer when she was five months pregnant is starring in a national campaign for Cancer Research UK.

Kate McGrath

A MOTHER-OF-TWO who was diagnosed with cancer when she was five months pregnant is starring in a national campaign for Cancer Research UK.

When Janine Edgar, 29, from Hadleigh, went for her 20 week pregnancy scan, doctors spotted an unusual mass behind the baby's head.

“I had such mixed emotions. I was ecstatic to be having a baby but then you learn you have cancer,” said the full-time mother.

“You just have to get on with it. Having a baby almost protected us from the enormity of the situation. You have no choice but to get on with it.”

Two weeks after Jonty was born - thankfully healthy - Janine was rushed in for emergency treatment. She had the cancer removed from her bladder and a wash of chemotherapy .

“I feel very lucky that the cancer was even picked up.

“It could have gone unnoticed for years. Cancer of the bladder is known as the silent killer,” she added.

Since her diagnosis and treatment in 2006, Janine has been involved in fundraising for Cancer Research UK and has been a regular participant in Ipswich's Race for Life.

Today she will join a host of celebrities and nine other cancer survivors in London to star in the charity's latest campaign, If I Can Do It….

Together the women hope to encourage others to take part in this year's Race For Life whatever their age, shape, size or fitness level.

Janine, who has since had another child, five-week-old Eloise, said: “I managed to walk the Ipswich Race for Life despite having gone through pregnancy and cancer treatment in quick succession.

“I would really encourage other women to take part this year. I'm living proof that anyone can do it.

“Seeing women together all sharing the same determination and spirit is really inspiring.

“My new baby Eloise will be six months old when I take part in Race for Life again this year. I'm looking forward to introducing her to the sisterhood.”

Last year, 4,500 women took part in Race for Life in Ipswich and helped raise �264,000 for the charity. Janine, who lives with husband Chris in Bell Mews, raised �800.

The If I Can Do It… campaign will feature online. Celebrities involved in today's launch include actress Lynda Bellingham, comedian Amy Lame and singer Ruth Lorenzo.

This year's Race for Life will take place in Chantry Park, Ipswich on June 7 at 11am. For details visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0871 641 2282.