TWO Atherton women who have fought breast cancer are urging families to celebrate Mothers' Day this year by stepping out for a special walk.

Pensioner Alex Farrimond and Linda Buckley have joined Groundforce presenter, Charlie Dimmock, in appealing to people to join the annual Crocus Walk organised by the research charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer on March 25.

Both women have taken part in the event which is used to remember 10 of thousands of mothers and families who are devastated by breast cancer every year. It also raises funds to ensure that future generations do not go through the same experience.

Charity supporter Alex, 70, of Douglas Road, Atherton, who beat the disease 34 years ago, then 10 years later survived cervical cancer, organised a walk in Leigh two years ago.

But now with her health blighted by bronchial asthma she is not fit to take part herself, but would love to see others help the charity.

She said: "People can organise their own Crocus Walk with a group of family and friends or take part in one already organised across the country.

"It does not have to be a big walk or even on Mothers' Day. Just pulling a small group together for a stroll around the park to enjoy the spring flowers is enough.

'If only £5 is raised it is better than nothing."

Linda, 46, of Moor Lane, Atherton, answered Alex's appeal to join the 1999 walk while still recovering from surgery.

And she cast off the wig she had been wearing for six months to do it.

At the time Linda said: "Cancer's nothing to be frightened of. If you get it you've got to accept it and battle your way through. Doing the walk helped me and I support the campaign urging people to take part this year."

Charlie, famous for her braless gardening, said: "The crocus was picked as a logo for the walks and the charity because it represents new life and hope after a long, hard winter.

"In the same way the work of Breakthrough gives hope to thousands of women who are fighting this disease and this annual fund raising effort is an example of their hard work to raise sufficient funds for research.

Anyone wanting further information should call Breakthrough Breast Cancer on 0207 4557 6622.