A GRADUATE from Hazlemere is swapping her academic life for a more physical challenge to help raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Vanessa Phipps, a business management graduate from Buckinghamshire and Chilterns University College, is taking part in a 10km sponsored walk on October 16, just days after her last chemotherapy session to treat breast cancer.

The 50-year-old mother of three was diagnosed with breast cancer just before her finals in March.

Mrs Phipps said: "I nearly fell through the floor when I was told it was cancer.

"I thought I'd have to give up the course."

She was given a biopsy and ultrasound at Wycombe Hospital and underwent surgery to remove the cancer.

She added: "I left school with no qualifications and I was determined that nothing was going to stop me from graduating, not even breast cancer."

Mrs Phipps graduated on September 8 in front of her family.

She said: "I lost my hair during the treatment but didn't want to wear a wig at the ceremony.

"I wanted to show people what they can achieve, despite the odds."

Mrs Phipps plans to take part in the Henley to Marlow Stride.

She said: "I know there'll be a lot of ladies on the day who will have been affected by breast cancer like myself. I have my final chemotherapy session 12 days before the walk, but I'm really looking forward to it and knowing that I'm not the only one to face this."

To take part log on to www.cancerresearchuk.org/breastcancer or call 08701 602040