A LONG-STANDING supporter of a breast cancer fundraiser is returning to take part in this year’s event with her mum.

Daljinder Chalmers has backed the Mad March Hare for years because some of her loved ones have died of cancer, though others have luckily managed to recover.

A colleague’s diagnosis prompted her to be the first to sign up for this year’s running challenge.

She said: “The past two years have taught me how fragile life really is and, although one minute you could be happy without a care in the world, the next you could be supporting a loved one, a friend or a colleague with a cancer diagnosis.

“I have had family members pass away due to cancer but I have also seen close friends fight for their life and rise from the torturous treatment to find a new lease of life.

“Last year, a new colleague joined my team and a week later, we learned they had been diagnosed with breast cancer. It was then that I really realised that despite being there for them virtually, I really was helpless.

“I could offer words of encouragement and say everything will be ok but sometimes I felt those words just weren’t enough. It was then that I said to my mum that we should do something to help support the charity and to raise awareness too.

“So here we are, trainers on and ready to take on the challenge. Mum and I will be training and then doing our 10km challenge. I am using this opportunity to raise awareness in my own Sikh community, too.”

Registrations are now open for the 15th annual event, which has been virtual for the last two years but will return to Lydiard Park Academy on March 20

People can still take part virtually throughout the whole month if they prefer - Daljinder and Gurmeet will be joining from their home in Warwickshire.

All the proceeds from sign-ups will go towards Breast Cancer Now, as always, adding to its impressive total of more than £1 million raised over the years.

Event organiser Margaret Nicholson said: “We are grateful and send thanks to Daljinder and Gurmeet, we look forward to seeing them on the day. We are forever grateful to the Swindon community for its support over the years and hope they come together again this year to celebrate the live event once again.”

Visit madmarchhare.org.uk