A ST ALBANS grandmother is teaming up with ITV football pundit Bob Wilson to launch Cancer Research UK's unique Relay For Life.

Ms Carol Hutton, 55, a former breast cancer sufferer, is aiming to be among 300 people taking part in the event at Luton's Stockwood Park on Saturday, July 27.

The charity's patron is ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson, whose daughter, Anna, died from a rare form of cancer in 1998.

Ms Hutton, from Riverside Road, St Albans, was diagnosed with cancer in 1996, just three days before her daughter's wedding, following a routine scan at a mobile breast care unit.

Bravely choosing to keep the diagnosis secret until after the ceremony, she had endured a masectomy, chemotherapy and a course of radiotherapy within weeks of learning she had the disease.

Admitting the diagnosis was an "earth-shattering blow", Ms Hutton says: "Breast cancer touches the lives of far too many women. Fortunately I am one of the lucky ones who has survived. I want to take part in Relay For Life to celebrate the fact I am still here for my grandchild, but also to remember those women who have died."

Event organiser Louise Wadley said: "The relay is not a race and the emphasis is on having fun. There will be live entertainment, competitions and inflatable games for all ages."

To enter, call the hotline on 01865 716655.

July 2, 2002 16:30