SISTERS Kate Griffiths and Anna Woodward will be thinking only of their mum when they stand on the start line of this year's Race for Life.

The annual run in aid of Cancer Research UK falls on what should have been mother Clare's 60th birthday.

She was in the crowd to cheer on Kate when she took part last year but lost her battle with skin cancer in July, aged 59.

"I think it is going to be difficult," said Kate, a sports consultant. "It would have been mum's 60th birthday so it is going to make it really emotional.

"It will be hard knowing that she is not there this time. It's going to feel quite strange.

"But we are doing it in her memory and we will be thinking about her."

Clare, former head teacher at Parkview Primary School, in Oakwood, first found out she had cancer 13 years ago after discovering a small lump on her foot.

The lump was removed and sent off for a biopsy, when it was found to be cancerous. Despite being given the all-clear, nine years later Clare found another lump in her thigh.

She underwent treatment for cancer but, in early 2008, she found it had spread to her lungs and liver.

Kate, who now lives in Loughborough, has taken part in Race for Life five times and is urging other people to take up the challenge.

She said: "It is quite an uplifting experience, although it can be quite sad too. Everybody knows somebody who has been affected by cancer.

"It's a great event and a good opportunity for everybody to get together. You don't have to be a runner either, you can walk and jog."

Kate's sister, Anna, 30, will be travelling from the Isle of Man for the race, and the pair will be cheered on by their dad, Bob.

Also taking part again are 12 teachers from Parkview Primary School, who last year raised £600 for Cancer Research UK.

The school's head teacher, Jane Calladine, said they were looking forward to the day.

"It will be emotional but Clare was all about the team and I think it is something she would have liked," she said.

The annual race will take place at Darley Park on Saturday and Sunday, May 9 and 10. There will also be a Race for Life event at Donington Park on Tuesday, July 7.

Last year, more than 6,500 women walked, jogged or ran the Darley Park event and raised £388,240.

People who want to take part should visit www.raceforlife. org, or call 0871 641 2282 for more information.

To tell your Race For Life story, call Claire Duffin on Derby 253053. Visit www.this isderbyshire.co.uk/raceforlife 2009 to read them.