CAROL Griffiths’ own experience of breast cancer led to her wanting to help others affected by the disease. Now the mum-of-one from Kirtlington is looking forward to her second “wonderful” Pink Ribbonwalk.

Mrs Griffiths, 49, is a Database Officer at Oxford University.

Married with a grown-up daughter, she found a pea-sized lump in her breast in 2010 and was sent to hospital for tests.

She said: “An ultrasound and mammogram showed I had breast cancer. “It was a huge shock. I didn’t expect it at all and hadn’t thought it would be anything serious, so I was very frightened.”

Mrs Griffiths underwent a lumpectomy (removal of the lump) and lymph nodes were also removed from her underarm area. This was followed by three weeks of radiotherapy.

She said: “I recovered from surgery very well but the radiotherapy did leave me feeling very tired for a few weeks afterwards.

“I also need to take hormone drug called Aromatase for another two years, which they say greatly reduces the cancer of cancer returning. My cancer was in its early stages, but I do feel I have had a very lucky escape.”

Mrs Griffiths did her first 10-mile Pink Ribbonwalk in 2011 solo, after seeing it advertised on a website.

The event attracts thousands of female walkers and raises funds for Breast Cancer Care, which provides free information, support and services to anyone affected by breast cancer.

Mrs Griffiths added: “After my surgery, recovering at home, I was very worried about whether it had been successful.

“But I didn’t want to bother the hospital so I called Breast Cancer Care.

“They were so helpful and understanding, putting my mind at rest and telling me it was quite normal to have questions and worries.

“This year I am going for the 20-mile walk – I feel ready to walk further – and I am doing it with my friend Emma Lyon from Abingdon.

“It’s for a wonderful cause, but I also had such a fantastic time last time. The atmosphere is wonderful and really spurs you on. I also hope to raise as much sponsorship money as possible. People have been very generous so far and more people are still sponsoring me.”

This year’s Ribbonwalk takes place on Saturday, May 11, and will trace routes through Blenheim and its surrounding villages.

Walkers choose either a 10-or 20-mile course. Registration costs £30, with walkers required to raise a minimum of £175 sponsorship.

The event is followed by a village fete style celebration. Entrants get a medal, free barbeque, massage and entertainment.