THE daughter of a former Mayoress of Chippenham, who has beaten breast cancer, laced up her boots and completed an iron-distance Triathalon, raising more than £1,000 along the way.

Della Hudson took part in the Cotswold 226 race to raise money for the Breast Cancer Unit Southmead Trust (BUST) in recognition of her mother Sylvia Gibson’s fight against the disease.

Mrs Gibson, who is now 70, underwent surgery and radiotherapy and has since received the all clear.

“It was devastating for the whole family when my mum was told she had breast cancer,” Mrs Hudson, who heads Hudson Business Accountants and Advisers, said. “Fortunately after a traumatic few months of surgery and radiotherapy, she was given the all clear.

“But my mum is just the latest in a long line of friends and family who have suffered from this dreadful disease. BUST is a charity close to my heart and I wanted to help in some way.”

The event, which covers the same distance as a traditional Ironman, involves a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride and a marathon – all in less than 17 hours.

However, crisis struck and the mum-of-two’s bike ride had to be cut short at 87 miles – but she picked herself up and went on to complete the marathon.

Since spotting the signs of cancer, Mrs Gibson has been highlighting her case and telling people to look out for unusual symptoms.

She said: “I had an inverted nipple, rather than a typical lump we’re told to check for.

“I was lucky I got it checked out straight away otherwise it could have spread and I would have had to have a mastectomy. Instead the doctors were able to remove the cancer and now I’ve had the all clear.

“I think this shows Della’s commitment to the charity. It really hit her when I was diagnosed with breast cancer and she’s driven to help others.

“Della used to hate sports day at school, so she’s come a long way. I’m proud of what she has achieved.”

The mum-of-two’s £1,400 total will go towards helping BUST buy advanced equipment before it is available through NHS funding.

To pledge your support visit www.justiging.com/fundraising/IronmanDella