“WOW,” said primary teacher Jane Reedy on hearing she has been nominated for our Helping Hand award, along with Cedric Robinson, who has guided walkers safely across the Morecambe Bay sands for half a century and more.

Mrs Reedy faced devastating news just a few weeks after her 40th birthday, when she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of oesophageal cancer.

Her treatment, though successful to date, had life-changing consequences. But the Ambleside AC runner’s ordeal inspired her to help others by embarking on the gruelling 800-mile Pedal to Peaks bike challenge up Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike.

The Kendal mum, who teaches at Ghyllside Primary School, raised £5,000 for CancerCare and Cancer Research UK. She was driven by her wish to “show there is life after cancer despite the life-changing implications”.

Mrs Reedy said pedalling 85 to 100 miles a day was “a reminder that I have a new body now with different needs and it’s about making the most of what you’ve got now”.

In the nomination for the Helping Hand award, Mrs Reedy was described as “an inspiration for people who are also suffering from cancer”, as well as raising money to help fight the disease and support cancer patients.

Meanwhile, the former Queen’s Guide to the Sands Cedric Robinson MBE has been described as “a great ambassador for the region” who has enabled more than 200,000 people to experience the beauty and adventure of crossing Morecambe Bay’s treacherous beaches in safety.

During Mr Robinson’s 56-year tenure, he led up to 500 walkers at any one time, many of them raising money for good causes, with more than £1 million donated to numerous charities.

“It’s fantastic,” said the 86-year-old about being shortlisted for the Helping Hand award.

In his new role as Ambassador to the Guide Over Sands Trust, Mr Robinson is still keeping a watchful eye on cross-bay walkers, while his successor, Michael Wilson, settles in.

“It’s a dangerous bay and I’ve been on it all my life,” said Mr Robinson. “I can pass that knowledge and experience on to him.”

He added: “I’ve gained absolutely thousands and thousands of friends.

“People come again and again because they love it; different organisations come every year, a lot of the same people. They say they like to see me on the sands and it’s nice to meet up with them again.”