Mum’s the word for York Race for Life runners (From York Press)

Mum’s the word for York Race for Life runners

9:19am Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News By Richard Catton, richard.catton@thepress.co.uk

THE organiser of this year’s Cancer Research UK Race for Life is urging more women to enter this year’s fundraiser.

Jenny Murgatroyd, 31, who lost her mother Andrea Key to the disease when she was only 42, is hoping women will be inspired to put their names down for the 5K fun run ahead of Mother’s Day on Sunday.

She said: “Mother’s Day is a poignant reminder that my mum is no longer here. She was taken too early and is unable to enjoy her three granddaughters. Working for Cancer Research UK and encouraging ladies to enter Race for Life is empowering.

“It makes me feel that I’m able to fight back against the disease that took my wonderful mum away.”

Last year, 2,851 women took part in Race for Life in York and raised £46,000. This year, organisers are hoping more than 3,000 runners will help to reach a target of £265,000.

Jenny said: “I want to encourage other women to sign up for Race for Life. Some will be motivated to do so in memory of their mothers. Others will have the opportunity to take part alongside their mums as a wonderful way of spending time together in a defiant gesture to cancer.

“My girls have grown up in a Race for Life environment and know about why it’s important to raise money to help other families fight the disease.

“All these fantastic women are also helping towards mums of the future become grandmas, something my mum didn’t have the chance to do.

“There are more than 200 cancers and we won’t give up until we find cures for them all. It’s fighting talk, and we mean every word we say. Cancer, York is coming to get you.”

This year’s event will take place on June 2 on Knavesmire. To enter Race for Life, go to raceforlife.org or phone 0845 600 6050.