A BRAVE mum battling cancer for the seventh time is hoping to inspire others at this year’s Race for Life in Basingstoke.

Bev Derham, from North Warnborough, was first diagnosed with cancer after finding a lump in her breast in October 1990.

Nearly 20 years later, the 54-year-old is still battling cancer and received the latest setback in January when doctors found a cancerous presence in her right shoulder.

Ms Derham will share her experiences with up to 4,000 runners at the Basingstoke event in June.

She will speak as they warm up for the 5km event, which will start at Down Grange at 11am on Sunday, June 20.

She will then walk around the course – the 11th time she has taken part – and she has already raised £1,200 in sponsorship.

Ms Derham (pictured) said: “It’s a very uplifting event and it’s comforting to know that while people are suffering and there are people who have lost loved ones, there are people like me who are still here.

“We have benefited because of the research and development that has been made possible due to the money that’s being raised by events like this.”

The single mum, who works part-time at BMW Financial Services in Osborn Way, Hook, has lost the use of her left hand and arm through her battle with cancer.

For household chores, she relies on a variety of innovative gadgets, and her 14-year-old son Oliver, who goes to Lord Wandsworth College in Long Sutton, is also a great help.

She said: “I have had a few moments where I have felt like giving up, but Oliver keeps me going. Without him, I would not have a reason to get up every day. Each time I have been diagnosed, I think ‘not again’ but I will have fought it now for 20 years this autumn.”

Rachel White, area event manager for Breast Cancer UK, said: “Bev is a great example of someone who has been through it and is still trying to make a difference.”

For the first time in Basingstoke, there will also be a 10km event for the women, held the day before the 5km event, on Saturday, June 19, starting at 10am.

There are 370 places left for the 1,000-place 10km event, and around 2,000 left for the 4,100-place 5km event. To enter, visit raceforlife.org.