WHEN Jane Pendall’s friend Lisa Jones was diagnosed with breast cancer in December she wanted to find a way to show her love and support.

So on Saturday, May 10, the women and 13 of their friends will stride out against cancer in the Blenheim Pink Ribbonwalk.

The 10th annual walk will see about 825 people dressed in pink, walking 10 to 20 miles in a bid to raise £230,000 for Breast Cancer Care.

So far the friends have raised £1,500 through sponsorship.

Mrs Pendall, 57, from Winterbrook, Wallingford, said: “We got the terrible news (about Mrs Jones) in a phone call and I will never forget it.

“She has only just turned 47 and has two children, and like any friend I just wanted to do something, anything, to help.”

Mrs Jones, who is married to Chris, 50, and has two children, Bethany, 20 and Oliver, 18, began chemotherapy after Christmas.

But the cancer spread through her lymph nodes into her spine and she is now awaiting surgery.

Mrs Pendall, who works for human resources firm HR On Demand, said: “We have a big bunch of friends spread across the country and we always feared breast cancer would strike one of us and Lisa has turned out to be the one.

“Her hair is falling out. But she is being so strong. She is a really amazing woman.

She added: “We called ourselves the Walkie Talkies 2014, because we will be walking and talking.

“We are from as far and wide as Yorkshire and Guildford, to Henley, and everyone has been so enthusiastic about doing it.

“When Lisa found out, it gave her a real boost.

“And she was so thrilled she decided that she would like to do the walk with us, too, if her upcoming surgery allows.

“It will be a chance for us to all be together, show our support for Lisa and also help a lot of other people whose lives are being affected by breast cancer.”

Mrs Jones, who lives near Reading, said: “I was very surprised to hear that Jane had organised to do the Pink Ribbonwalk in my honour.

“It brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes to think she and so many close friends and family felt strongly enough about me to want to do something like this.

“Surgery allowing, I am determined to compete and hopefully finish the whole course.”

Registration is £30 and walkers are asked to raise £100 sponsorship.

Walkers get free entry to the Blenheim grounds with a reduced entry fee for friends and family, a T-shirt and training guide and a massage, meal and medal at the finishing line.

Register by visiting breast cancercare.org.uk/walk or call 0870 145 0101.

Contact the charity helpline on 0808 800 6000.

Are you taking part? Email your story to nqonews@nqo.com