AN fundraiser is set to take part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life for the 20thyear this summer.

Rachel Speight-McGregor took on her first Race for Life in 2002 in Newbury, and has continued taking part ever since, including the last 10 years in York.

The 52-year-old continues to raise funds for life-saving research having seen relatives die from cancer including her aunt, uncle, grandmother and granddad, but most recently her mother-in-law Sue to brain cancer in 2015.

Rachel, who lives in Ampleforth, is well known at Race for Life due to her choice of outfit- that of the popular fictional character Piglet from Winnie the Pooh, and for taking to the stage to get participants warmed up ahead of the run.

Rachel and her team of supporters, including her 10-year-old niece Heidi who is taking on her 10th year of Race and her sister Rosie, 6, who is doing her 6th, are looking forward to completing the Race for Life 5k together in Harrogate on Sunday, July 10.

Rachel, who is a fundraising manager for Cancer Research UK, said: “Long before I joined Cancer Research UK as an employee I was taking part in Race for Life and supporting the charity’s much-loved events.

"I’m proud to be taking on my 20th year and hope I can encourage women and men of all ages and abilities to sign up to their local event.

"This year also marks 20 years since my Uncle Mike died of cancer at just 52, my age now, so it makes it hit home even more.

“Not only have I been able to raise money over the years to help research, I’ve met so many special people going through really tough experiences. In the 20 years I’ve been doing Race for Life the advances in cancer research have been huge and outcomes are much better today than they were. I hope to be doing Race for another 20 years and see the day when we can beat all cancers.”

Highlights for Rachel include seeing people of all ages and backgrounds taking part, including her niece when she was just tree months old and a local York lady who was 101 years old.

From an early age Rachel was demonstrating her passion for fundraising and supporting others in need, receiving a Blue Peter badge in 1979 for holding a Bring and Buy sale and going on to start her cancer research fundraising with 'Calendar Girls' style photos with her local rugby club.

Rachel said: “For as long as I can remember I’ve always raised money for charity and found different activities to bring in the funds. From knitting a scarf long enough to wrap around York’s city walls, to record breaking space hopper attempts, there’s not much I haven’t tried to help raise money.

“It will be a special moment this summer when I stand at the start line at Race for Life knowing I’ve been doing my bit for 20 years and all the people I’ve met during that time. We all have a reason to Race for Life. For me it will be a celebration as well as a chance to raise money to help others facing cancer right now.”

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events and will take place in Harrogate on Sunday July 10 and in York on Sunday September 11.

  To enter, visit raceforlife.org