Gran's right on track

The plucky grandmother of Heathbourne Road, Stacksteads, is one of hundreds of people preparing for the 12-hour run or walk relay, On Track for a Cure Rawtenstall, around Marl Pits sports ground on July 3.

The event, organised by the Cancer Research Campaign, is aimed at getting as many people as possible together to fight a common cause - beating cancer.

Doreen started raising money for the Cancer Research Campaign about five years ago after she had a brush with the disease.

She had an operation and was later told surgeons had discovered ovarian cancer but had removed it in time.

Doreen said: "I was fortunate to have been caught early, but other people are often not so lucky.

"I lost my husband Brian to cancer when he was 60, so I know the importance of raising money for cancer research."

Doreen has four children and nine grandchildren and wants to make sure they can look forward to a future when cancer will be beaten. Mike Davis, organiser of On Track for a Cure Rawtenstall, said: "Doreen is an inspiration to everyone and she is determined to make this event a huge success.

"On Track for a Cure Rawtenstall is a chance to make 12 hours really count and to pay tribute to someone you know or knew with cancer by dedicating your effort to your loved one.

"It is not a race and you can enter as an individual or as part of a team to raise vital funds for the Cancer Research Campaign's pioneering programme of research."

The event will begin with an inspirational lap of honour for those who have been cured or are currently being treated for cancer.

And at the end of the 12 hours there will be a candlelit vigil to remember loved ones who have had cancer or who are fighting it now.

Anyone who wants to enter a team for the event should contact Mike at the Cancer Research Campaign on 0161 793 1313.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.