WHEN a lively Weymouth woman was diagnosed with breast cancer, she overcame the illness and used her experience to help others.

Now Jo Shorey, a founding member of fundraising group Ladies Alive, will carry the Olympic Torch through Wyke Regis as a thank-you for all her hard work.

The hairdresser, aged 51, said: “I am so excited. I was shocked when I found out I had been nominated – I asked one of the women ‘why do you want to nominate me?’ and she said: ‘because you’re an inspiration’.

“I’m just trying to give something back.

“I know I’m the one that was nominated but I’m doing it for everyone that’s helped me.

“When I had cancer my best friend shaved her hair off. I’ve had so much support from everyone.

“I’m sure they will all be there supporting me on the day.

“Though, knowing my luck, I’ll be running up Lanehouse Hill.”

The Ladies Alive group was formed around seven years ago and has so far raised £14,000 for local causes and £18,000 for breast cancer charities.

The mother-of-four and grandmother-of-two is planning to do something creative with her hair on the day.

She said: “I thought I’d put my hairdressing skills to use.

“You’ll have to wait and see what I do though – it’s going to be a surprise.

“You’ve got to live life. I just try to be happy and I wake up every day the same.”