TWO identical twins from Ledbury are pairing up for charity after cancer struck their family three times within a year.

A triple heartache has inspired Su Webb and Jo Webber to join Sunday’s Race for Life in Worcester.

Their sad tale started in July 2006 when their aunt was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and died the following December.

Their mother was struck with breast cancer the next month before Jo’s husband was diagnosed with multiple myeloma.

The trio’s battle against cancer has convinced the twins and Su’s daughter, Chloe Webb, to help others in the same shoes.

But they have also stressed the importance of check-ups as their aunt Margaret Davis, of Solihull, ignored stomach pains for months before seeing the doctor – by which time it was too late.

Their mother, 68-year-old Judy Davies, was diagnosed early after a routine mammogram and has received the all clear.

“It was a huge shock as she had only just buried her only sibling,” said 43- year-old Su, from New Street.

“We’re so relieved and mum has been so positive, but her experience shows how important it is to have regular checks.”

That message is shared by Jo, whose husband Christopher went to the doctor after back problems led to illness and vomiting.

The 47-year-old was diagnosed with blood cell cancer in July 2007 before intensive treatment and a 17-month remission.

“The doctors sent him for tests as he thought it might be blood cancer and he was right,” said Jo, a community nurse.

“It was devastating. Not only had the family been so badly hit by cancer, but we found out on our 14th wedding anniversary.”

Christopher’s symptoms – which are treatable but not curable – returned in 2009, prompting the twins to enter the 5km run.

They and Chloe will also hold a collection during Worcestershire County Cricket Club’s T20 match against Lancashire on Sunday evening.

“With all this happening we were always talking about doing Race for Life and this year I said we must do it,” said Jo.

“I’m just really pleased my twin sister and niece are doing it with me.”

Cancer Research UK is no longer accepting entries for the Worcester event but is holding a Hereford run on July 17.

People can apply at raceforlife.org or by calling 0871 641 1111.