THOUSANDS will be taking part in the annual Race for Life fundraiser this weekend in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Pretty Muddy tomorrowon Saturday is a women-only, non-competitive event, featuring a muddy obstacle course, and has start time slots of 15 minutes between 1.15pm and 2pm, while the York 5k and 10k are being held on Sunday morning.

Among those taking part is a team of women from D E Ford Insurance Brokers, in Poppleton, who will be doing the the 5k Pretty Muddy Race for Life event at Knavesmire in memory of a much-loved colleague who died of cancer.

April Thorne, a mother of one, lost her battle with ovarian cancer last December, after being diagnosed in 2014.

She entered last year’s 5k Pretty Muddy Race for Life in York with her nurses, even though she was undergoing treatment.

Her colleagues, calling themselves April’s Angels, will be taking part this year. Alison Mulhearn, of D E Ford, set up the team, and said: “April took part in the Cancer Research event in July 2015 and enjoyed every minute of it. She was a much-loved member of the D E Ford team, and her clear enjoyment at last year’s event made it a must for us to do again this year in her honour.

“We will be thinking of April on Saturday and we are hoping to raise as much money as we can for Cancer Research.”

April was “a larger than life character who lived life to the full,” said Alison.”She was a special friend, loved by so many and is sorely missed.”

April joined D E Ford Insurance Brokers in 2000, having previously worked for a number of major insurance companies since 1986 and before that she was a member of HM Services.

April’s Angels include Alison, Angie Crossan, Alys Slaven, Helen Mercer, Jennifer Morgan, Caroline Brooks, Laura Hindle, Pamela Anthony, Christine Franks and Tracy Scott.

To sponsor the D E Ford team, visit www.justgiving.com/aprilsan gelsdeford.

The entry cost for Pretty Muddy is £19 for over 16s, and £10 for runners between the ages of 13 and 15. Entrants must be 13 or over to take part.

On Sunday morning races start at 11am, and cost £15 for over 16s, while girls aged six to 15 and boys aged 12 or under will be charged £10. Entrants under six will not be charged.

Race for Life is looking for volunteers for both days. To apply visit the website.

This year’s race aims to raise awareness of breast cancer and is managed by Cancer Research UK. Entries can still be submitted for this weekend’s events.

For information visit: http://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org/index.html.

l See The Press next week for a special Race for Life pull-out.