Comedienne Jennifer Saunders has made her first public appearance at a charity event since ditching her wig.
The Absolutely Fabulous star, who has won her battle against breast cancer, showed off her new short blonde hairstyle as she started the Chariots of Fire race in Cambridge.
The 52-year-old has been throught eight months of gruelling chemotherapy and radiotherapy since discovering a lump in her breast.
She looked radiant and happy as she fired the starting pistol at the famous relay race which attracted more than 2,000 runners.
“I’m not running today as I’m training for the 2012 Olympics,” she joked as she started the race.
She also told the crowd she is writing the Spice Girls musical, which is expected to be finished next year.
Jennifer, who was wrapped up well in a warm scarf despite the sunny September weather, then cuddled her whippet puppy Olive as she watched the racers speed off. The sponsored race take splace along a scenic 1.7 mile course along the historic Cambridge Backs and though some Cambridge University colleges. It follows in the footsteps of the famous Chariots of Fire film which documented the British team’s path to victory in the 1924 Olympic Games.
It is expected to raise thousands for Wallace Cancer Care in Cambridge which was set up by former oncology nurse Mary Wallace and provides free services to cancer patients and their families.
Jennifer said: “I am very happy to be able to support Wallace Cancer Care.
“Having recently undergone treatment for breast cancer myself I understand how very important it is to have the kind of support and help that Wallace Cancer Care provides.”
Jennifer has been married to fellow comedian Adrian Edmondson for 25 years and the couple have three daughters, Ella, 24, Beattie, 23, and Freya, 19.
