A GRIEVING family are all set to pull on their running shoes later this month to raise funds for Prospect Hospice in memory of a much-loved mum.

Barbara Hunter sadly passed away in November 2016 after losing her battle with cancer.

In a remarkable show of courage, her devastated family have since raised more than £1,600 for Prospect, who cared for Barbara towards the end of her life.

And on Sunday, May 21 around 50 people will tackle the Cancer Research Race for Life 5K around Lydiard Park in memory of Barbara, dearly missed by all who knew her.

Barbara and her family have taken part in many Race for Life events throughout the years. But this time it will be especially difficult as they will be doing without her.

Daughter Lisa Clements, 44, from Abbey Meads, said: “We are all looking forward to the race, but it will be very emotional.”

Barbara, who lived in Eldene with partner Malcolm Beavis, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2008.

She finished chemotherapy in February and thought she had beaten the disease.

But a short while after she began to complaining of aches and pains in her bones.

In September 2016 she was again diagnosed with breast cancer and a little time later it was confirmed that the cancer had spread to her bones.

“There wasn’t much they could do,” said Malcolm, 61. “She thought she had beaten it.”

Barbara’s son Dane Hunter, 42, from Covingham, said: “We said we would all stick together and she was worried about the family going through it all again.

“But we were all devastated. From the day she came into the hospice, the whole family would come in around the clock. She had so many friends here she was like a celebrity.”

Lisa described her mum as “a lively and bubbly person who always cared about everyone else”.

She stayed in Prospect for six weeks and the family wished to give something back to the nurses who cared for her.

Lisa said: “Prospect was amazing. We didn’t want her to come in at first because it’s often thought of as the place you come to die.

“We were crying here all the time, but the nurses were wonderful. The care she received was exceptional.

“She even asked us to get thank you cards for all the staff.”

The family wished to thank everyone who has so far donated to Prospect in memory of Barbara, especially her colleagues at Tesco in Ocotal Way, who raised a massive £400 for the cause.

Lisa also advised people who have beaten cancer to seek medical help immediately if they experience aching or painful joints.

To take part in the Race for Life, log on to www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org.