CONTENDING with a misbehaving dog and looking after two children while running 5km isn't everyone's idea of a good day out.
Yet that's exactly what breast cancer survivor Jazz Cooper will be doing when she takes part in her sixth Brentwood Race for Life on May 25.
Mrs Cooper, of Chase Road, Brentwood, will be joining in the annual fundraising run with her six-year-old English Pointer Toby and her daughters, Amy, 14, and Katie, 13.
The 44-year-old was diagnosed with cancer in 2009 and has since been raising funds to support the work of Cancer Research.
Speaking to the Gazette ahead of next month's canine-flavoured event, she said: "It's a great way of getting the dog out and about, he has a lot of energy and hopefully he will be good at the picnic, weather permitting, afterwards.
"He is a very friendly and lively dog and he definitely isn't small but I am a little worried he will misbehave."
She added: "I am absolutely determined to get my own back on this terrible disease.
"That's why I've signed up for Race for Life in previous years and it's why I feel so passionately about recruiting more women to join me at this year's event.
"I did my first race, one of three that year, only three weeks after finishing my treatment in 2010 – I was still ill but somehow I ended up with my best ever time."
The mother-of-two is dedicated to raising awareness and helping to get ever closer to finding a cure for cancer, which affects almost 30,000 people in the East of England every year.
Last month she took part in a so-called Cancer Slam dance routine at London Liverpool Street Station to try to encourage people to sign up for this year's Race for Life events.
The star-studded event included Strictly Come Dancing stars Camilla Dallerup and Karen Hauer, who danced alongside Mrs Cooper in the middle of the busy station.
"I am a big Strictly fan so it was great meeting the stars," said Mrs Cooper.
"They were both very nice people and I am very grateful for them getting involved."
Gill Burgess, Race for Life event manager for Essex, said: "We are very grateful to Jazz for taking part in the Cancer Slam and helping to spread the word about Race for Life."
To sponsor Mrs Cooper, visit www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/tickledpinkgirlies
Are you getting involved at this year's Race for Life? What is your motivation? Tell us your story by commenting below, e-mailing editorial@gazettenews.co.uk or calling 01245 602729.
