FRIENDS and family turned out in force to help a determined York mum celebrate her running milestone in style.

Anita Wilson has been a regular at York Parkrun - a free weekly 5km timed run around the Knavesmire - since summer 2015, but earlier this year she was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer.

However, although this meant she could no longer complete the course at the same speed, the 37-year-old mum-of-two resolved to keep going to achieve her 50th run.

And on Saturday, Anita walked to her half century, supported by more than 40 friends and family, who were wearing ‘Team Wilson’ t-shirts.

“I am truly overwhelmed by everyone’s support,” said Anita, who lives with her husband Tom and daughters Poppy and Maisie in Huntington.

“We didn’t know anything about the #teamwilson support planned for today. It was a total surprise.”

Parkrun volunteers set up a special ‘victory’ tape for Anita to break as she crossed the line, while Team Wilson hosted a post-run party for her.

Anita’s determination has struck a chord with her fellow York Parkrunners.

After completing her 48th parkrun in March, she wrote on Facebook: “Very soon after getting my diagnosis I realised I only had three parkruns left to do before reaching my 50 milestone.

“Not to be deterred, I promised myself I would reach it one day, just a little slower than planned.

“This week I contacted York Parkrun to explain my situation and ask if it would count if Tom had to push me some of the way in my wheelchair.

“I was blown over by their response of support. Yesterday I decided I would give it a go with a plan to at least walk at the start and the finish.

“This morning Simon the run director announced my determination to the 444 runners and asked everyone to cheer me on!

“This made my morning and after a very long and very tiring 1 hour 32 minutes I crossed the finish line having not used my wheelchair once!

“Not only was this a huge personal achievement, I was blown away by the support of other runners clapping and cheering me on, coming back to meet me after they finished and the incredible volunteers who waiting in the cold and rain to see me cross the finish line!

“I’ve always loved parkrun, but today I love it even more and everyone who’s part of the parkrun family.”

April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month and Anita is determined to do what she can to highlight the condition.

She said: “Bowel cancer is the UK’s second biggest cancer killer. However, it shouldn’t be because it is treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early.

“Nearly everyone diagnosed at the earliest stage will survive bowel cancer, but this drops significantly as the disease develops.”

Anita added: “In terms of the specifics of my cancer, it’s stage 4 - so spread from my bowel to my liver. The average life expectancy is one year, so pretty grim, but we are remaining positive and the incredible strength and support we are getting from friends and family is meaning the world and keeping us strong.”

For more information on Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, visit bowelcanceruk.org.uk/bowel-cancer-awareness-month