POIGNANT exertion is being undertaken by supermarket workers in memory of a colleague who died of cancer.

More than 90 Asda staff, most of which worked alongside check-out operator Shirley D'Andilly, are in training to raise cash for cancer research by taking part in the Race For Life.

A group from the store, which included Shirley last year, has run the race since it started in 1998.

But this year has seen record numbers of staff signing up.

"Everybody was determined to do it this year because of Shirley," said her work colleague Lynne Reed, who has also suffered breast cancer.

"We're doing it in T-shirts with Shirley's name on the back of them. It is going to be very poignant this year."

The race takes place on May 11 on Knavesmire, York.

Updated: 09:50 Friday, April 18, 2003