Southampton mum Sue Draper was diagnosed with breast cancer a week after giving birth to her second child. She died two and a half years later. To mark October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Sue's husband, Keith, tells Emma Joseph why he is taking part in Cancer Research UK's Stride for Life in Sue's memory...

"My wife, Sue, was an amazing lady. She always had a smile on her face and was the most kind and loving person you could ever meet.

"Nine months ago, only two weeks after her 38th birthday, Sue died from breast cancer."

Nothing can take away the heartache Keith is suffering after the loss of his wife and soulmate.

Every time he looks at his two beautiful daughters, he is reminded of the woman he loved so much who has been taken away from him.

Sue was one of six parents in the Sholing area - all with children in Year 1 at St Monica Infant School - who have died from various forms of cancer in the past year.

While Keith knows nothing he does will bring her back, he is determined to try and help other sufferers of breast cancer by taking part in Cancer Research UK's Stride for Life at Beaulieu on Sunday, October 12*.

He will be cheered on at the event by the couple's two daughters - Lauren, 6, and Elisha, 3 - and has already raised £600 in sponsorship, which will be used for vital research into the disease.

"Today, I still can't believe that this has happened to us," said Keith, from North East Road, Sholing.

"For two and a half years following diagnosis, Sue had ongoing treatment, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy - she took everything that was thrown at her.

"She remained positive throughout her treatment, and the support from her work colleagues at the Royal South Hants Hospital - where she worked as a clerical officer in the outpatients' ward - was overwhelming."

Nine months after Sue's death, Keith is raising the couple's two children with help from family and friends - all of whom he wishes to thank for their tremendous support.

"The time has now come for me to give something back on Sue's behalf," he said.

"It's in celebration of Sue's life that I am going to be participating in Cancer Research UK's Stride for Life. This is something that I know she would want me to do.

"Lauren, Elisha and my family and friends will be there to cheer me on, and we have had special T-shirts made with a photo of Sue on them, saying 'Stride for Sue (and Life)'.

"Sponsorship is already reaching £600 and I'm hoping that, by the time the event comes in October, we will be topping £1,000.

"This is a chance for us to help support Cancer Research UK in funding their doctors and nurses throughout the country, who are working on prevention, treatment and ultimately a cure for this terrible disease.

"Breast Cancer Awareness Month seemed the natural time to talk of Sue and to ask everyone to be aware of cancer, and I would like to take this opportunity to stress the importance of checking yourselves regularly.

"If something doesn't seem right, go to your GP straight away.

"I hope that by taking part in Stride for Life, not only will it raise awareness of breast cancer and how it can affect the whole family, but also that one day we will cure this disease."

Registration for Stride for Life, which takes place at Beaulieu on October 12, costs £6 for adults and £3 for children. For more information, or to register, call the hotline number on 08701 602040.