STATISTICALLY, one in three people will be affected by cancer during their lives.

That would be ordeal enough for most of us, but Sam Palfrey has three members of her family who have been diagnosed with the deadly disease.

Mrs Palfrey, 37, from Chipping Norton, is a special education needs teacher at the Matthew Arnold secondary school in Oxford.

She will be tackling the 10-mile route of the Pink Ribbonwalk at Blenheim with her mum Ella, 61, who lives in Hereford and is herself a breast cancer survivor.

Mrs Palfrey said: “This will be our first Ribbonwalk, but we are really looking forward to taking part, as breast cancer has had a big impact on our family in recent years.

“Firstly my mum had it, then my auntie was diagnosed with it last year and then her niece – my cousin – was also diagnosed a few months ago.

“My cousin is still being treated and my mum and I really wanted to do something to show our support.

“The Ribbonwalk, which enables Breast Cancer Care to support sufferers, seemed perfect.”

The Pink Ribbonwalk takes place tomorrow and traces a 10-mile and 20-mile route through Blenheim and its surrounding villages.

The event is branded ‘pink’ because all participants wear special pink T-shirts.

Registration for the event costs £30, with walkers required to raise a minimum of £175 sponsorship.

Her mum Ella said: “I’m really looking forward to doing this with Sam.

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago and went through treatment successfully.

“This is a chance to do my bit to help further research and also help the care for others who are being affected by it, including other members of our family.”

Sam Palfrey added: “I have heard there is a great atmosphere.

“Having taken part in the San Francisco women’s marathon, which was incredibly inspiring, I am looking forward to walking alongside my mum and lots of other inspiring women who have battled cancer or are still being treated.”

The Pink Ribbonwalk is followed by a village fete-style celebration including a medal, free barbecue, massage and entertainment.

Register to take part at: pinkribbonwalk.org.uk or call 0870 145 0101.

For more information on Breast Cancer Care’s free services visit breastcancer care.org.uk