AN inspiring cancer survivor is getting off her marks to support Ardgowan Hospice — alongside her 87-year-old mother.

Sandra McColl, who has beaten breast cancer twice, is taking part in the Sunset Walk event later this month flanked by mum Mary.

Community nurse Sandra was diagnosed in 2008 and successfully treated, only cruelly for the disease to return in 2010.

The 56-year-old, of Duthie Road in Gourock, explained: “I’ve had a double mastectomy, chemotherapy and have taken herceptin and now tamoxifen.” But she says the support and classes she attended at the hospice have been an integral part of her treatment and recovery, inspiring her to take part in the walk.

Sandra added: “I went to a woman’s group and had treatments such as reiki and relaxation — the help was invaluable.

“These were part and parcel of the treatment provided, which was fabulous.” Sandra is married to husband Hugh and they have two grown-up daughters, Ashley, a teacher, and Samantha, an anaesthetist.

Sandra and Mary will proudly take part in the walk on 23 May. Sandra is keen to support the hospice and is urging everyone to get behind the event.

She said: “It’s important to give something back as the hospice has given so much to me.

“There’s people out there who are where I was six years ago. Now I can do something to help other people.

“I would encourage as many people to go along as possible. It costs a lot of money to run the hospice and the community can’t be without it.” Sandra was also crowned Local Hero in a Tele competition, along with her sister Rosemary Gillen, for leading the 27th Greenock Guides at Lady Alice Primary for the past 40 years.

The Sunset Walk has raised £279,000 over the years and attracted 1,623 ‘competitors’.

It is hoped this year’s event will take the fundraising through the £300,000 threshold.

Entry is £15 and there are 1km, 5km and 10km walks to choose from and walkers are also asked if they can raise £30 by way of minimum sponsorship.

The hospice wants to thank all sponsors for supporting the event, including Tesco, Aulds, Spar, McKechnie Jess, Inverclyde Leisure, Buchanan’s and Inverclyde Leisure, among others.

Anyone who wishes to register can collect an entry form from the hospice reception or by visiting www.ardgowanhospice.org.uk