A young woman who lost her mum to cancer earlier this year has set herself the ‘huge challenge’ of running the Chester Half Marathon in her memory.

Melanie Booth, 23, was devastated when her mum Judy lost her battle with cancer in January at the age of 60, a year after doctors discovered a large tumour in her back.

Judy, who spent her last days at the Hospice of the Good Shepherd, received such good treatment from them that after her death, Melanie and her dad decided to give the £1,000 raised in funeral donations to the hospice, as well as to Macmillan, who had also given Judy excellent care.

Melanie, from Christleton, decided to take part in a number of fundraising activities, including last year’s Race for Life which her mum was able to come and watch, and some charity car washes and bake sales.

But this May, she will put herself to the ultimate test by running the Chester Half Marathon with her two close friends Claire Erskine and Becki Bell.

“The Chester Half Marathon is a huge challenge for me,” said Melanie.

“I don't particularly like running but it's for a great cause. The pain during and the day after a training run is nothing compared to the pain my mum was going through so that definitely spurs me on. We’re hoping to raise more than £500.

“I did the Race for Life run in Chester last year, which my mum managed to come and watch – it was a very emotional day for both of us.

“I would love to give myself a much bigger challenge and next year I aim to do the marathon and hopefully raise twice as much for cancer research and Macmillan,” she added.

To donate to Melanie’s cause, visit www.justgiving.com/2brunettesand1ginger .

If you are running the Chester Half Marathon, use the form below to tell us about it.

We're testing a new site: This content is coming soon