THREE Bordon women will be pounding the streets in this year's Playtex Moonwalk Marathon in London's Hyde Park on Saturday, May 20. Pauline Dawson, Amanda Commander and Kristina Fordham will be joining more than 15,000 men and women wearing specially decorated t-shirts to raise money for breast cancer research. The walk, which starts at midnight, follows a moonlit course around central London, beginning and ending in Hyde Park. All three women took part in last year's event, and Pauline Dawson is hoping to beat the £560 raised last time. She said: "I really wanted to take part in this race to help the cause. I felt this was a good way of raising some money to help pay the charity back for all the support it has given me." Pauline, who is a receptionist at Mill Chase School, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999 and was finally given the all clear in 2004. She said: "My GP told me I didn't have cancer, but I didn't believe him. so I went to see a locum. Because of the history of breast cancer in my family, he agreed to refer me. "I was lucky that it was diagnosed when it was because it had already spread to my lymph nodes. I don't know what would have happened if it had been delayed any longer." Within two weeks of the diagnosis, Pauline had a lumpectomy, which was followed by four gruelling months of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiotherapy. She said: "I couldn't fault the NHS. I know people moan about it but the Royal Surrey Hospital was brilliant." Pauline knows how important it is for women to monitor themselves regularly. "I would advise everyone to look at themselves in the mirror. You should always check yourself as you can't be too careful. "I had always exercised, never smoked, hardly ever drunk. I used to ask myself why I got it when I was one of the healthy people." She continued: "People used to think of cancer as a terminal illness, but nowadays people have a different outlook. They know that some forms of cancer can be successfully treated. "It definitely gives you a different perspective on life, which is why I'm trying to help other people by raising money." "I have done other charity walks, but this is the biggest I have ever done and the one that means the most to me." All three women have been training hard twice a week for the past four months, going on 13- mile walks and running on the treadmill in the gym. Pauline said: "It really helps having my two friends to support me, because it is a difficult event to do. "It is a real challenge and we will be motivating and encouraging each other all the way round the course." To sponsor Pauline, call at the Bordon Herald office for a sponsorship form.
