A MUM and daughter team will join thousands of women making a stand against cancer by entering this year’s Race for Life.

Bev Pearman, along with her daughter Chelsea, is entering the event in Southampton in memory of her dad John Broom – a well-known postman in Eastleigh.

He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2010 and passed away a year later.

Mrs Pearman, 40, and Chelsea, 14, from Bitterne Park, are encouraging others to join them at Southampton Common on July 14.

Mrs Pearman, who has taken part in six Race for Life events, said: “He didn’t say a lot about having cancer because he didn’t want to worry us.

“But he was a very special man and this year I am taking part in his memory and to fund research into cancer.

“I am totally committed to beating cancer by raising money for research.”

As well as taking part for her granddad, there is another incentive for Chelsea to raise money for the cause.

The 14-year-old, who is studying for her GCSEs at Sholing Technology College, is also running for six-year-old Lydia McConnell, who is currently being treated for a brain tumour in hospital in Southampton.

She is a member of Thornhill Baptist Church where y o u n g Lydia’s mum, Charis, is a youth group leader.

Chelsea raised more than £950 for Lydia at last year’s Twilight Race for Life.

Last year’s Race for Life saw more than 7,700 women take part in the event in Winchester and Southampton, raising £450,000.

The event is organised annually by Cancer Research UK in partnership with Tesco.

The Winchester event takes place at the Garrison Ground and University of Winchester Stadium on June 9.

The organisers hope 8,000 ladies will raise £460,000 for vital research in June and July.

Rachel Northover, Race for Life event manager, said: “Bev and Chelsea mean business when it comes to raising money for research.

“Together, we can hit cancer where it hurts. I hope other ladies will enter and play their part.

“There are over 200 cancers and we won’t give up until we find cures for them all.

“It’s fighting talk, but we mean every word we say.

Cancer, Hampshire is coming to get you.

“Participants may be decked out in pink or fancy dress but what’s inescapable is the power and strength that comes from thousands of women joining together to confront cancer.

“Don’t be fooled by the tutus and tiaras. Race for Life is cancer’s worst nightmare!”

To enter Race for Life, visit raceforlife.org or call 0845 6006050.