A WOMAN who overcame sight problems to take part in a fundraising race for cancer charities is urging others to follow her lead.

Dawn Ferguson, 42, of Rowlands Gill, who is registered blind, took part in the Cancer Research UK Race for Life, in Gateshead.

The mother of one, who had cancer as a teenager, said: "Race for Life is a brilliant event. It's great that so many women come together to raise money and help make a difference to other people's lives."

She was only 16 when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

She said: "When I was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 1976 nobody really talked about cancer.

"Things are very different now and events like Race for Life help to focus attention on the illness and the progress that's been made in treating it.

"I didn't really have an adolescence as I had to adapt to a new way of life and get used to losing my sight. But I'm making up for it now."

Mrs Ferguson was among the hundreds of women who entered the women-only Race for Life on Sunday, May 25, and was cheered on by husband Gary, who also has limited vision, and their son, Thomas, 11.

The next leg of the charity run takes place on Saturday, June 28, at Ormesby Hall, Middlesbrough, followed by July 13 at Newcastle Racecourse, Newcastle, and at South Park, Darlington.

The last event is on Sunday, July 20, at Herrington Country Park, Sunderland.

For details, call 08705 134314 or visit www.raceforlife.org