A PENSIONER who lost three friends to cancer is set to do a tandem sky dive in their memory.

June Smith, 66, who had a double mastectomy after suffering from the disease herself, will take part in The Big Pink Jump in October to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Campaign.

She said: "I lost my best friend Fi Roberts to breast cancer last year when she was 52. Another friend from Northern Ireland, Ellen Coulter died from breast cancer at the age of 54 in 2014. I also lost friend Sue Pearce to liver cancer at 64.

"I just felt I wanted to do this to raise awareness because there are so many people getting breast cancer these days. Even men are getting it more and more now."

June, of Rectory Chase, Southchurch was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 and took the tough decision to have both breasts removed.

She said: "I found a lump by chance. I didn't usually check myself. I had chemotherapy to shrink the lump but that didn't work and I had to have a breast removed but I couldn't bear the idea of having just one breast.

"After counselling it was agreed I should have both removed as there was a risk it could spread. I had radiotherapy as well and in March I was told I was in remission as I'd been cancer free for five years.

"The care I received at Southend Hospital was excellent. It was the best news I am in remission that is why I am doing this jump to raise funds and for all my friends who lost there lives to this disease."

The jump will take place in Peterborough as others across the country mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

While it would be daunting to someone half her age, June is taking it in her stride.

She said: "Having chemotherapy was scarier than a skydive any day."