THREE siblings whose family has been touched by cancer are encouraging other youngsters to get muddy for charity.

Koen, aged 10, Torin, eight, and six-year-old Eden Leigh-Brown, from Nawton, are launching Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life Pretty Muddy Kids event this weekend.

Designed specifically for children, events are being held at The Stray, Knaresborough Road, Harrogate, on Saturday, and York Racecourse on Saturday, September 14.

The traditional Race for Life 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events will also take place at the same venues.

The trio’s mum, Jaelithe, said: “Koen, Torin and Eden are so happy to launch the Pretty Muddy Kids events and have an excuse to get covered in mud from head to toe.

“They want to inspire others to raise money for Cancer Research UK, in memory of my Auntie Ann. She was diagnosed with kidney cancer and sadly passed away in June 2013 – just days after Koen’s fourth birthday. The children remember Auntie Ann and talk about her all the time. Whenever they see white butterflies, they say it’s her.

“She was really close to all of us and is sadly missed. Koen, Torin and Eden got me through my grief, so it’s fitting that they launch the Pretty Muddy events here.

“What’s more, a close family friend was diagnosed with leukaemia as the bells rang in the new year in 2018. He was only seven at the time and when he was getting his treatment, Koen, Torin and Eden sent him books and cards to let him know they were thinking of him. His prognosis is good and it’s important to us that we help fund life-saving research to ensure that his outlook is positive.”

Pretty Muddy Kids is open to children aged five to 12 and is entry £10. For more information, go to raceforlife.org or phone 0300 123 0770.