A MUM from Hartford has more reason than most get her trainers on and take part in the Race for Life this year.

Deborah Whitworth-Hilton, of Chantry Avenue, wants to share her inspiring stories with Guardian readers to show just how important the work of Cancer Research UK really is.

The 41-year-old will be running at Tatton this year, which will be her third Race for Life event.

She said: “You don’t think cancer is going to happen to your family but then it does and you have to get through it every which way you can.

“It can happen to the healthiest of people.”

Deborah, who has two sons, aged six and nine, ran her first race in Stockport in 2007.

“The first year I ran it was because of a very close colleague of mine who was told he had prostate cancer and didn’t have long left,” she said.

“But he fought it and, while he will always have prostate cancer, it’s under control and he’s having as normal a life as he can – I ran it for him.”

Then in the December of that year Deborah found out that her mum had been diagnosed with cancer of the womb.

“She had a complete hysterectomy and had to have radiotherapy but within a month of finishing that she was doing the Race for Life with me at Delamere,” she said.

“She walked it and I ran it and I ran to just before the finishing line then went back to mum and we crossed the finishing line together, which was really emotional.”

Deborah’s mum is running the Tatton race with her again this year and the pair, called the Whitworth-wunners, hope to beat their £1,000 fundraising total from last year.

She said: “I would say to other people taking part just enjoy the day and don’t punish yourself but make sure you get your sponsor money in.

“That’s why I do it – not to keep fit but to raise that money.”

To sign up for one of the four mid Cheshire events this year visit raceforlife.org or ring 0871 641 2282.

Are you taking part in the Race for Life this year? We want to hear your stories and want you to share your training tips.