A DAUGHTER will fulfil a final promise to her mother when she races for life this summer - despite suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS).

As Rita Church lay dying of lung cancer in March this year, Sadie Sullivan vowed to complete the York Race For Life in her memory.

But Sadie, who lives in Rawcliffe, York, suffers from the debilitating disease MS - and for this 40-year-old completing the five- kilometre course will be the challenge of a lifetime.

She said: "My mum was a hard-working 56-year-old wife, mum and nana and lung cancer was something we just never imagined would happen.

"Just before Christmas, we were told the chemotherapy had failed, the cancer had spread and it was a matter of months before mum would be leaving us.

"MS seemed so small compared to what mum was going through and I made a promise to her that I would complete the Race For Life for her - even if I had to rest for weeks afterwards.

"I hoped she would be around to see me finish the race, but on March 4 it happened and mum left us.

"I have a final promise to keep and to fail would be unbearable.

"No matter what, I will keep it and cross that line."

Sadie, who was diagnosed with MS in 1991, will be taking part in the race with her two daughters, Laura, 14, and Rebecca, 12.

She said: "My daughters ran the race last year, but this year they have said they will walk it with me.

"The challenge will be big, but I am determined to do this for my mum.

"Her having cancer really opened my eyes.

"It is a silent, nasty killer and if people raise just a few pounds, it all counts.

"It could help future generations."


Chance to be number one

Sadie is the latest entry in our competition offering two lucky readers the chance to wear race number 1' or 2' during the York Race For Life on Wednesday, June 27.

To enter, please write to Lucy Stephens, The Press, York, 76-86 Walmgate, York YO1 9YN, telling us your reasons for taking part in the Race For Life.

Please specify whether you are taking part in the morning or evening race.

Places are still available to take part.

To enter the competition, please visit www.raceforlife.org, or phone 08705 134314.