AFTER learning she had breast cancer, Gillian Harrison did not know where to turn.

Within a month of finding the initial lump she had had a mastectomy and she was soon to learn the next stage of her treatment was the dreaded chemotherapy.

"I was frightened, isolated and confused. I knew little about breast cancer -- no one in my family has had it," she said.

But since then Gillian, who lives in Clayton-le-Woods, has devoted the last year to raising more than £5,000 for Chorley Hospital with the help of her partner Max, and two loyal friends George and Val Nowland.

She took part in last year's Race For Life and this year she has recruited more than 20 others -- known as Chorley's Angels -- and they hope to top the total for Cancer Research UK. They will take part in the 5km Race For Life on Sunday, May 26, at Preston Sports Arena, Cottam, at 11am.

Gillian, aged 36, who was still recovering from her treatment when she took part in last year's race, said: "Completing the race was an achievement, this year it is a celebration. People can run, walk or crawl and it is all in aid of Cancer Research."

But that's not all she's done to help others who face the trauma of breast cancer.

While she was undergoing chemotherapy at the Ribblesdale Unit of Royal Preston Hospital, Gillian decided to set up a website for women suddenly faced with breast cancer.

"I was not used to being off work so I bought some software and decided to build a website. It helped take my mind off everything," said Gillian, a senior manufacturing engineer at BAE Systems, Samlesbury.

The website is called www.chorleysangels.co.uk and it offers advice and information to women who have breast cancer.

The site also encourages people to join in fundraising events, such as this year's Race for Life. For more information on the Race For Life call 08705 134 314.