Thousands of women will be lining up to take part in York’s Race For Life tomorrow to boost funds for cancer charities.

Among those will be Kate Ramsey, 38, of Haxby Road, York, who decided to do the run after finding out her dad, John Ramsey, had lymphoma six months ago.

Kate, who is mum to Indie, aged seven, has so far raised more than £1,500 for cancer charities.

Last week, John got the all-clear from cancer after under-going a punishing round of chemotherapy and said he couldn’t be more proud of his daughter.

“Kate has been so determined – a real hero. As soon as she knew I had cancer she started collecting clothes to send to the cancer charity for money, to the point that her kitchen looked like a collection depot with the number of bags she had. And now I’ve got the green light, she’s said she won’t stop fundraising and we plan to do a run together next year.

“I am full of pride for Kate and will thankfully be there to cheer her on tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, fundraisers were thinking pink when they came together for a charity night in memory of York mum Jo Grassby who died of skin cancer, aged 38. Jo, who had three children and two step-children, was diagnosed with terminal cancer a few weeks before her death on May 29.

Her friends and family plan to raise awareness and research into the disease.

Along with other friends, Sarah Watson, Jo’s stepdaughter from her first marriage, organised a Pink Party charity night in aid of Cancer Research.

The evening of live entertainment, raffles and food on Thursday at the Post Office Social Club, in Marygate, attracted 300 friends, family supporters and children to raise cash in Jo’s memory.

Sarah said: “It was such a massive success. We are still totting up what we raised but we think it is around the £4,000 mark which is just incredible.”

Sarah and Jo’s daughter, Beth, together with friends Sara Worker and Alison Cole, will take part in the Race For Life.

The annual women’s only race, organised by Cancer Research UK, is on Knavesmire on Sunday with a 10k race in the morning and a 5k event in the afternoon.

Last year 5,400 women turned out, helping to raise more than £300,000 for Cancer Research.

Don’t miss Monday’s edition of The Press for a 12-page Race For Life souvenir supplement, packed full of pictures and the name of everyone who takes part.

Men given their chance to run, too

HUNDREDS of men are expected to gather in Rowntree Park in York tomorrow for a fun run to raise money for research into male-specific cancer.

The RU Taking The P Too run is now in its second year and sets off from the Millennium Bridge at 9.30am.

Organiser Brian Hughes, 57, said: “It was really good last year – an excellent event. We are out to raise money, but we are out for a laugh too.”

The 5k course will take the runners along the banks of the River Ouse before they return to Rowntree Park.