THREE generations of one family will be racing for life this summer - in memory of much-loved relatives who have lost their lives to cancer.

Five year-old Jessica Strange, of Rawcliffe, York, will run Race For Life alongside her mum Karen, 41, and grandmother Pauline Bailey, 64.

Karen and Pauline have beaten cancer, but other family members have not - and the trio will be running in their memory.

Karen, who fell ill with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma a week after giving birth to Jessica, said: "Cancer has brought a lot of sadness to our family, but it has also brought us together. It makes you appreciate what you've got because you don't know when it will be taken away."

Karen's father-in-law, Len Strange, died of cancer in December 2005 and then in March this year her uncle, Len Steel, died as well.

She said: "It will be the third time I've entered the race, but it will be my mum's and Jessica's first.

"Jessica's been nagging me to let her to do it ever since I did the race last year and it's going to be a very special day.

"All three of us will be crossing the line hand-in-hand and we're hoping to raise at least £100 for Cancer Research."

Karen has now been given the all-clear and her mother Pauline is also in the clear after having a kidney tumour removed in 1997.

Karen said: "Without all the work that Cancer Research funds my mum and I wouldn't be here today to tell the tale.

"The more money we can raise for Cancer Research the more lives we can save."

Her family's moving story has given Jessica a chance of winning the coveted 1 or 2 race numbers to wear during the race, which will take place on York's Knavesmire on June 27.

We are asking you to write in with your stories about why you are taking part in the race and together with Cancer Research UK we will select who will wear the two top numbers.

Please send your stories to Lucy Stephens, The Press, York, 76-86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN, and make sure you specify whether you are taking part in the morning or evening race in York.

It's not too late to enter the event and anybody who wishes to sign up should visit www.raceforlife.org, or phone 08705 134 314.