FRIENDS of an inspirational York mum who died of breast cancer aged only 36 are to run the Race For Life in her memory.

Hannah Dyke, who had two children, aged six and two, died in St Leonard’s Hospice on January 1 after an 11-month battle with the disease.

Four months on, her friends are determined to keep Hannah’s memory alive by tackling the 5km race at this summer’s York Race For Life with her name written on their backs.

Among the group are Bec Carman, who will be joined by her five-year-old daughter, Anwen (known as Wenie), and Sara Sweetman, whose seven-year-old daughter, Emily, is also taking part.

Meanwhile, Viv Chamberlain-Kidd has signed up to run both the 5km and 10km races at York Racecourse on June 27.

Bec, 30, from Acomb, said it was Anwen’s idea to take part in the event.

“Hannah was quite a girly girl who loved her accessories and heels – and Wenie really liked that,” she said.

“Wenie saw me do the Race For Life last year and after Hannah died, she came to me and said, ‘Mummy, can we do the pink Race For Life this year for Hannah Dyke?’ “Hannah would absolutely love the fact it was Wenie who wanted to do it. She would be so chuffed.”

Bec, a housewife, said she used to go running with Hannah and Viv, and even during her chemotherapy, Hannah had continued to jog.

She said: “Hannah was always so caring and loving towards others.

“Even when she was in so much pain she was always pleased to see people and wanted to know how they were doing.

“During her first lot of chemotherapy, I was having a really horrible week and she came round with a gift bag full of all my favourite things.

“One of the last things she said to me at the end before she died was ‘you look really nice’. She was completely selfless.”

To sponsor Bec and Anwen, who are raising funds for Cancer Research UK, visit their online fundraising page raceforlifesponsorme.org/wenieandbec

To enter York Race For Life, visit raceforlife.org or phone 0871 641 111.

• If you are running the York Race For Life, we would love to hear your story. Phone Nicola Fifield on 01904 653051 ext 305, or email nicola.fifield@thepress.co.uk