TO thank those that looked after her mother as she battled cancer a Cirencester Mum is putting on her running shoes take part in this Sunday's Race for Life in Cirencester Park.

Sharon Stratford’s mum Jackie passed away in March, just weeks after being diagnosed with cancer and after receiving treatment at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford and Swindon’s Great Western Hospital.

Sharon, 43, who works at Mitsubishi Motors UK in the town, will run the 10km course at Cirencester Park, along with her daughter Molly and other family members to raise cash for Cancer Research UK.

Sharon, who works at Mitsubishi’s Riverside Restaurant and also lost her 83-year-old grandmother Molly Loveridge, to cancer three years ago, said: “All the hospitals that helped look after my mum were superb and the Macmillan nurses helped get her back to Cirencester Hospital so she could be near her family. Everyone was fantastic. I’m doing this to thank all of them and to help raise as much as I can for Cancer Research UK.”

“Cancer is something that affects so many people. I’m looking forward to doing the run. Lots of people have told me it’s a really good atmosphere on the day and there’s a team of us taking part. I’m sure it will be emotional.’ Race for Life is the UK's largest women-only fundraising event series where all the money raised goes to fund Cancer Research UK's life-saving work.”

Sharon's aunt Judy Pullen, sister-in-law Belinda Stratford and niece Steph Stratford will also be taking part in the run.

Organisers are hoping 2,000 women of all ages and abilities will join together to walk, jog or run the 5km or 10km route.

To sponsor Sharon go to www.justgiving.com/sharonstratford/