PIGS really will fly this month, when pig racing comes to York in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief.

Primary school teacher Helen Clarkson is organising the novel porcine event at Burnholme Social Club, as part of her bid to raise £5,000 for the charity by running the London Marathon.

Helen has taken part in the Great North Run three times, but this year is the first time she has attempted a marathon.

A big pig lover, Helen, 33, has been collecting pig paraphernalia since the age of 13 and even became a vegetarian due to her love of the animals. She got the idea for the pig race after attending one herself. Speaking of her own running experiences, Helen said: "After each event I thought: 'Why am I doing this? Never again'. But then I remembered that it wasn't a patch on what people living with cancer go through."

Helen will be running in the memory of a friend's father, who was helped by a Macmillan nurse during his illness.

The pig racing will be on Saturday, March 27, at 7.30pm. Entrance is free and the evening will include all kinds of entertainment, including bingo and a raffle.

For more information about the pig race or to sponsor Helen's marathon attempt, phone her on 01904 635326.

Updated: 10:43 Tuesday, March 09, 2004