FRIENDS and family of a much-missed Royal Wootton Bassett mum and wife will be among those helping to turn Lydiard Park pink this weekend.

The group will form ‘Teamboobette’ to pay tribute to Ellen Woollaston-Cooper, a brave fundraiser who lost her fight against cancer in December. They will take part in the Race for Life 5k event and remember their friend ‘Els’ for her generous spirit and boundless positivity.

Ellen’s daughters Eloise and Amelie, who took part with their mum last year, will be there too along with her husband Bryan Cooper, who has taken on the role of volunteer marshal this year.

Ellen died at the age of 41 having been diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2015. The cancer went into remission but returned and she was diagnosed with secondary cancer last spring.

Teamboobette use the nickname Ellen gave her cancer, and have raised well over £20,000 for Cancer Research UK through a variety of fundraising events and sponsorships.

Speaking to the Adver in December, Bryan said of his wife of 12 years: “She was a very kind and positive person, she didn’t do self-pity, she had a good sense of humour and a big heart."

Also taking part will be three sisters who have been inspired by their mum’s battle against pancreatic cancer. Led by Jennifer Allen, 40, from Royal Wootton Bassett, the siblings have pledged to take part in the 10k event for mother Avril Miller.

The big weekend, staged by Cancer Research UK in partnership with Tesco, has attracted 3,000 entrants and kicks off with the Pretty Muddy obstacle course event this morning.

Sophie Heath, Race for Life organiser at Cancer Research UK in Swindon, said: “We are very grateful to everyone taking part and this year, for the first time, Cancer Research UK is inviting everyone – women, men and children – to join the Race for Life.

“This just wouldn’t be possible either without our volunteers who turn out rain or shine. It is one of the most uplifting experiences to take part and get involved.”