A FUNDRAISER whose family has been hit by cancer is calling on women of all ages to join her in taking a stand against the disease by supporting a new event this year.

Rachel Speight-McGregor, 45, has signed up for Race for Life Pretty Muddy which takes place for the first time on Knavesmire on Saturday, July 4.

Rachel, of Haxby, leads the warm-up for the annual 5k Race for Life on Knavesmire in aid of Cancer Research UK and has run in 12 of them herself.

Well-known for wearing a Piglet costume as she runs, she and many other women will this year tackle a women-only non-competitive 5k obstacle race complete with mud which will take place along with the established 5k and 10k runs.

"I can’t wait," said Rachel who is a local fundraising manager for Cancer Research UK and Zumba instructor. “As with any of our Race for Life events it’ll be an emotional day as I’ll be thinking of friends and family the whole way round the course, but this is a great way to fight back and also celebrate those who have beaten the disease."

Several of her relatives have died from cancer and Rachel will be remembering her aunt, uncle, grandmother and granddad as she runs.

“I’m determined to make a difference and that’s why I’m urging women in the area to take part in Race for Life, raise money and help beat cancer sooner,” she said.

Philippa Sharpe, Cancer Research UK’s Yorkshire Events Manager, said: “Pretty Muddy promises all the fun and camaraderie of our much-loved 5k and 10k events – just with an extra serving of mud and obstacles. Race for Life events are not competitive. They are not about being fit or fast. Women can complete the Pretty Muddy course at their own pace, climbing, jumping, walking and laughing their way around.

“With fire in their bellies and trainers at the ready, we know that York ladies are up for the challenge.”