LIKE THOUSANDS of women across the county, Lorraine Cox is gearing up to take part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life this weekend.

But for Lorraine, 40, of Park South, the event will be particularly poignant as she will be taking part in memory of her mum Jean Cox who died just three months ago - on her granddaughter Megan Baker’s ninth birthday.

Jean was just 61 when she lost her battle with pancreatic cancer, less than four weeks after she was diagnosed and given just months to life.

Lorraine, along with her eldest daughter Amy Baker, 14, and other family members and friends, will be walking the 5k event in Lydiard Park and hope to raise hundreds of pounds for charity.

“Mum died peacefully, but she was a fighter,” said Lorraine.

“It was a complete shock to the system when we were told there was nothing they could do and she had just months to live, but she made the most of life right up until her dying days.

“She always put a brave face on which meant we didn’t really know how she was reacting to it.

“She was a caring and loving person and was loved by everyone who knew her and will be sadly missed by us all, but our family have got quite a few things coming up to look forward to, and even though it is a very difficult time for us all, our memories will live on.”

Lorraine said she was spurred on to take part in the race by the mum’s at Eldene Primary School, where her youngest daughter attends. The group of more than 14 women will all don something red in honour of Jean, as well as the traditional pink to mark the occasion.

Lorraine said: “Mum was always wearing red, it was her favourite colour, and she would always wear a red item of clothing when she was out bird watching, and of course, her favourite bird was a robin, which we have on her grave.

“It was especially difficult when she died as it was the same day as my daughter’s birthday so we have said next year it will be a double celebration, we will have to celebrate Megan’s birthday in the day, and mark the anniversary of mum’s death in the evening.

“We have continued to celebrate mother’s day without her by releasing balloons by her grave.

“I think she would be really proud of me for taking part, and for getting on with living my life, even though there are sad times, I have a lot of fond memories of her and the things we used to do.

“I would like to thank everyone who has supported me and helped me through this difficult time. We are looking forward to Sunday, but I know it will be difficult.”

Currently, there are more than 600 people signed up for the 10k event on Saturday and over 2,800 for the 5k on Sunday.

To enter visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0871 641 1111.