A PRIMARY school teacher who has defeated a rare and aggressive form of cancer says she has been given 'a second chance in life'.

Keen fell-runner Jane Reedy was preparing to take part in last year's London Marathon when she received the devastating news that she had oesophageal cancer.

After a year of treatment the 41-year-old, who works at Ghyllside Primary School, Kendal, has been given the all clear and is now gearing up up to take on the marathon next month.

"I want to share my story in the hope that it will give others strength, to overcome difficult times or serious illness, to keep enjoying what they love doing," she said. "For others maybe, it will inspire them to run or to take on a personal challenge."

She added: "I feel like I have been given a second chance in life. I am enjoying the small things, being with my family and just being outside."

The mum-of-one was helped during her illness by Kendal-based CancerCare - and hopes to raise £5,000 for the charity.

Besides friends, family, medical professionals and CancerCare, she is supported by husband Matt, 41, and five-year-old daughter Tess.

Mrs Reedy said: "I am so lucky to have Tess, who has given me the reason to get out of bed and keep smiling, and an amazingly supportive and relentlessly caring husband.

"I want to thank everyone who has supported me and my family in so many different ways. People's kindness and generosity has overwhelmed me, and still is, as this journey is not over by any means."

This is the second time Mrs Reedy is seeking to raise a large amount of money for CancerCare.

Last May, while very ill and undergoing treatment, she raised over £4,600 for the charity by completing the StarWalk in Kendal.

Richard Cogger, CancerCare community fundraiser, said: “It’s with the tremendous support of people like Jane within our communities that we are able to continue helping local families affected by cancer and other life limiting conditions living in South Lakeland and the Barrow and Furness area. Jane’s support and effort really will make such a huge difference in those people’s lives.”

Visit Mrs Reedy's fundraising page at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Jane-Reedy2

Mrs Reedy's stepsister Rachel Adeleke is also raising money for CancerCare. Visit her fundraising page at: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=rachel-adeleke-SAVMLMBONDS3332017-86610156