A CHELMSFORD mum and daughter are celebrating after completing Cancer Research UK’s Shine Night Walk.

Jessica Dawson, 41, and her daughter Samantha, 18, walked the half marathon 13.1 miles overnight on Saturday taking in sights including Tower Bridge, Big Ben, The Shard and St Paul’s Cathedral.

They joined 17,000 men, women and children to paint the town neon and help raise almost £5 million to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

Jessica was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2014 after finding a lump in her breast. She began chemotherapy at Broomfield Hospital June 2014 and then went on to have a mastectomy and radiotherapy. She has recently had reconstructive surgery.

Jessica, who is also mum to Ross, 15, and married to Peter, 43, said: “It was a difficult time but in many ways I think it was worse for everyone around me as they were going through it with me.

"My daughter was just about to start her last year in sixth form when I was diagnosed so she had a lot going on with revising for her A-levels and supporting me.”

To celebrate her recovery and help raise awareness, Jessica decided she would set herself a series of challenges throughout 2015.

Joined by her daughter Samantha, she has completed Basildon Pretty Muddy and Chelmsford Race for Life.

Jessica said: “Taking part in Shine Night Walk was such an incredible experience.

"The atmosphere was electric as everyone united together to take on the challenge.

"So many people at the event had been touched by cancer and if felt amazing to be surrounded by walkers with a common cause.

“It was wonderful to see so many illuminated iconic landmarks in one evening and, along with the pit stops and enthusiastic volunteers, they helped to keep us motivated to make it to the end.

“I’d encourage anyone thinking about taking part next year to sign up now – it was definitely a night I will never forget.”

Shine Night Walk, in partnership with ScottishPower, brought a unique glow to the capital as walkers illuminated themselves with lights, flashing headbands and sparkling outfits to form a human road of light as they walk through the dark streets of the capital.

The moving parade of light symbolised the hope the charity’s research scientists bring to the dark days of cancer and celebrated the progress that has been made so far.

Since it began in 2010, Shine Night Walk has raised an incredible £18million to help fund Cancer Research UK’s life saving work.

To sponsor Jessica and Samantha please visit: www.justgiving.com/jessicadawson6/

To enter Shine Night Walk 2016, or sign up as a volunteer visit: www.shinewalk.org