AT the age of 17 Tracey Mower's life was turned upside down following the death of her mother to breast cancer.Eight years later, together with her sister, she was told she had a 50% chance of carrying the breast cancer gene.

Anthony Bond

AT the age of 17 Tracey Mower's life was turned upside down following the death of her mother to breast cancer.

Eight years later, together with her sister, she was told she had a 50% chance of carrying the breast cancer gene.

Since then the mother-of-three has been determined to live life to the full and in June she will join more than 2,000 women when she takes part in the Race for Life to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

“To be honest I was quite relieved when I was told that I had a 50% chance of carrying the breast cancer gene because I was convinced that I definitely had it.

“I am a Christian and tend to put my faith in God and I am a great believer that when your number is up your number is up and my life is in his hands.”

The effect of watching her mum die from breast cancer at the age of just 42 has had a massive influence on Tracey's life.

“I just have very sad memories,” said the 37-year-old. “When I was leaving school and starting my first job I remember we had my first Christmas at work and I had a lovely office party. I came home and my mum was there being ill and it was like hitting a brick wall when I came through the door.

“Finding out that I have a 50% chance of the breast cancer gene has probably made me live my life to the full and live each day and each month and each year as it might be your last, especially as I am getting to the age that she was.

“She never went abroad and that is something that I have done. It is things that she never did that I am making sure that I do. In a way it has enhanced my life.”

One of Tracey's clearest memories is watching her mum constantly battle with her weight as well as suffering from depression and nerves.

Now a personal trainer, Tracey is keen to help others as well as those close to her.

“I have a 10-year-old daughter myself and so my thoughts turn to her. She is already up against it as she has Coeliac Disease but I am determined to minimise her risks of breast cancer by leading her into a healthy lifestyle by my example.

“I know that being fit and healthy will reduce my risks and also the people that I come into contact with it will help them. Being overweight is shown to put you at risk of different types of cancers and I know that I can help people lose weight and reduce their risks. The whole happiness thing is also important. My mum suffered from depression and I am sure that was a factor.”

Tracey will be running in the Race for Life at Chantry Park on June 8 in memory of her mum and a lady from her Young at Heart Class who lost her fight against cancer earlier in the year. If you would like to sponsor her, visit www.raceforlife.org/traceymower.

You can also find details about Tracey's personal training work at www.ccfitness.co.uk.