FIVE-year-old Rachel Stone is gearing up to take on an emotional challenge to raise cash for cancer research as a thank you to the doctors and nurses who saved her mum's life.

FIVE-year-old Rachel Stone is gearing up to take on an emotional challenge to raise cash for cancer research - as a thank you to the doctors and nurses who saved her mum's life.At the end of 2008, Ciara Stone, 35, of Hawthorn Grove, faced her worst nightmare when doctors told her she had cervical cancer.After months of battling the disease, the mum-of-two was recently told she had the all-clear.And now Bassetts Farm Primary School pupil Rachel, mum Ciara and grandmother Alice O'Neill are in training for the Cancer Research Race for Life, which will be held at Westpoint on July 19.The Exmouth trio will join thousands of other women walking and running in honour or as a tribute to their loved-ones and friends who have lost or won their cancer battle.Exmouth Tesco worker Ciara hopes her family's efforts will raise as much cash as possible for a cause - which she says is close to her heart.With the recent death of reality TV star Jade Goody, who last month died after losing her battle against cervical cancer, Ciara said the 'silent killer' disease was still at the forefront of women's minds.She said: "This will give us the chance to do something to say 'thank you'. "From the day I was told I had cancer, my feet didn't touch the ground. I can't speak highly enough of the medical profession."When I found out I had cancer, it was a horrible day. I just felt sick. I don't know how people worked with me, or how my husband, Simon, coped with me. I was horrible for a while."It must have been hard for my family to sit back and watch what was happening to me - and have to pick up the pieces."Ciara was recently told she was in remission. She now faces regular hospital visits to check the disease has not returned.Ciara, who next month celebrates her 10th wedding anniversary with Exmouth Tesco produce manager Simon, 36, is urging women to attend regular smear tests."I didn't have any symptoms," she said. "A simple five-minute test can save your life - as it has done for me. Just go and get it done."l Sponsor Ciara at www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/ciarastone