A COURAGEOUS woman who had a life saving operation for cancer in March is set to take to the roads of this weekend

in the Greater Manchester 10k.

Leigh Webber, a special needs teaching assistant at Timperley's Pictor School, was first told she had lung cancer in February, just three months after quitting smoking.

When she learned the diagnosis she told medical she had already committed to run a 10k race at Oulton Park for the Royal Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, but also to mark the 100th day since she quit tobacco smoking, and would they postpone it.

They agreed and she went on to raise more than £1,400 for the foundation and was subsequently nominated has been for the Roy Castle Running Star Award next month.

The operation to remove half of one of her lungs was carried out on March 3, but within days Leigh had committed herself to running this weekend's race for two charities Leisure for Autism and Kidscan.

She explained: "It has been a difficult time, obviously when you first hear the news that you have cancer, its very frightening, but the thought of running again just kept me going.

"Four days after having my operation, I went for a little walk with my best friend Jayne Baily, who is also doing her first ever run on Sunday."

The support Leigh has received has led to the formation of a Team Pictor made up of colleagues and family and friends who aim to help her reach the finish line on Sunday.

She added: "I am so overwhelmed by how many people have supported me and the team just grew bigger and bigger.

Sunday's team includes son, Dean, and 15 members of staff plus seven friends, some of whom have never run before.

Friend Yvonne Day (who took the photograph) said: "The team are so proud of Leigh and are in awe of how quickly she has recovered.

"Only 10 weeks ago she was lay in a hospital bed, after major surgery. This Sunday she will be taking part in a 10k, heavily strapped. Leigh says the has played a big part in her recovery and she is feeling very positive about Sunday."

If anyone would like to support Leigh visit the crowdfunding page and look out for the back t-shirts and silly head bands.

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Teampictor