A MUM-OF-TWO who overcame cancer but was left unable to have any more children will be special guest at Wirral's Race for Life this weekend.

Natalie Simms Gore will see more than 2,000 women off on their way at the start of the Globe-backed fundraiser in Birkenhead Park on Sunday morning.

The 36-year-old from Higher Bebington, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in November, will also raise awareness of the disease can affect younger women as well as older women.

Natalie, has completed her treatment and has having regular check-ups, will then take part in the run.

Natalie was diagnosed with ovarian cancer after first getting abdominal pains in January.

Wirral Globe:

Natalie with sons Bradley and Lewis

Initially they were put down to the her body getting back to normal after giving birth to her son, Bradley, six months earlier.

But when they persisted along with severe fatigue and bloating Natalie knew something was not right and she was eventually sent to Arrowe Park Hospital for a scan which showed she had cysts in her womb.

Natalie, who is also mum to Lewis, nine, said: "At that stage they thought they were cysts wrapped around one ovary and I needed them removed.

"I would have liked another baby and the doctors said they'd try to remove the cysts but save my ovaries.

"When I woke up the first question I asked was have I still got an ovary.

"They had managed to save one so there was hope."

But the results of a biopsy found the cysts were actually tumours and Natalie had to go to Liverpool Women's Hospital for a hysterectomy.

Natalie continued: "When I got the letter hand delivered saying I had to go back to hospital I guessed it must be cancer.

"Explaining I had cancer to my nine-year-old was the hardest part.

"It would have been nice to have the chance to have more children but I'm really thankful for the two I've got and now I just want to put a line under this chapter of my life get better and enjoy being with my children.

"I'm very lucky.”

Wirral Globe:

Natalie (pictured with husband David) is looking forward to taking part in Sunday's Race For Life.

She said: "It's an amazing cause.

"I've lost my Aunty Tina to cancer so I've seen both sides and I think if people can even just give £1 to help find more cures they can make a difference.

"I don't want others to go through what I've been through."

Alison Barbuti, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Merseyside, said: "We are very grateful to Natalie for helping us to raise awareness about her experience of cancer.

“There's still chance to join her on the 5k or try a 10k as you can enter our Wirral event until midnight on Friday.

"There's also the chance to sign up to a new Wirral Pretty Muddy event on Sunday July 3 at Brimstage.

"Final sign up for Pretty Muddy is Friday July 1.

"Every day, around 110 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West. That’s why we need women of all shapes and sizes to pull on their leggings, lace up their trainers and show their support at these supportive, none competitive events.

Looking forward to the event, Ali continued: "Taking part is about being part of a collective force of powerful women - of all ages - leading the charge against cancer.

"We always get a fantastic response at Wirral and we are hoping it is a great day."

To sign up, visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.