Last year, her fiance, Richard Swierc, was diagnosed with a rare form of testicular cancer shortly after their engagement, and her mother-in-law-to-be is still battling breast cancer.

Today, the 30-year-old Calvary St Lukes theatre nurse will aim to run the Harcourts Women's 5 Kilometre Walk-Run, after raising $1000 for the city's Cancer Patient Support Centre.

``Last year was the the year from hell for us,'' she said.

``Richard's mother was diagnosed a couple of years ago but it came back . . . and I want to help continue the good work the Cancer Council does in Tasmania.

``We had to go to Melbourne for Richard to have surgery and it is unbelievable what services like them provide for patients and their families.''

It will be the first time that Ms Jankus has taken part in a running event and is looking to finish the distance in under 45 minutes.

More than 2000 people are expected to participate in the charity event, which includes a Prostate Men's 800-metre sprint-walk event from 11am, at the corner of St John and York streets.

FACTFILE:

WHAT:  Harcourts Women's 5 Kilometre Walk-Run.

 WHEN:  Today, from 10am.

 WHERE:  City Park, Launceston.