A COURAGEOUS battle against breast cancer by a mother-of-two has inspired colleagues taking part in a fundraising challenge.

Staff at the Boots store in Wrexham’s Eagles Meadow shopping centre pledged to take it in turns to ride an exercise bike for the entire time the store was open over the bank holiday weekend.

The event was part of a nationwide fundraising initiative across the Boots stores in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

But for staff in Wrexham it was also a chance to show their support for a cause which has helped a fellow colleague.

Karen Rees, 48, from Pentre Broughton, who has worked for Boots for 11 years, was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2006 and has been through a long course of treatment to beat the disease.

Karen, who is married to Carl and is mum to Emily, 17, and Elliotte, 12, said she could not have got through her battle with cancer if it was not for the support of her family, friends and colleagues. But she is also grateful for the support she received from Macmillan Cancer Support.

All 57 members of staff played their part in helping to raise money through sponsorship from family or friends or collecting donations from customers during the event.

Carys Davies, manager at the Eagles Meadow store, said: “People like Karen are definitely an inspiration to us and we all took our turn on the bike over the weekend.

“Staff have really put themselves out, even helping out in their spare time as well as work time to make sure the bike is manned at all times.

“It was quite a challenge to keep the bike manned while making sure we have not disrupted our service to our customers.”

To find out more about Macmillan Cancer Support, go to www.macmillan.org.uk or call 0808 808 00 00.