A SOUTHAMPTON infant school has been struck by multiple tragedy this year with the death of four parents.

Three young mums and one dad, whose children attend St Monica Infant School in Sholing, have died from cancer since term began in September.

Now 70 mums whose children are among the 265 attending the school in St Monica Road - along with three pupils and other former pupils - will be taking part in Race for Life on Southampton Common later this month.

Headteacher Chris Frith explained: "For parents, children and teachers alike it was devastating.

"I have never known us to have four deaths in such a short space of time."

Parents at the school were so moved by the news of the deaths they wanted to do something in memory of the deceased.

"The parents approached me and said they wanted to do something in remembrance and I was happy to support them," she said.

Mum Lynda Bailey of Franklyn Avenue has been the driving force behind the team.

"We wanted to pay tribute to those parents who had died. We felt for the children who had been left behind," she said.

With the backing of Miss Frith, parents were informed that a team from the school would be taking part in the fundraising event on July 20.

"We sent out leaflets asking if people were interested in taking part and then we held a meeting and a few mums signed up.

"The interest has steadily grown and now there are loads of us taking part," said Mrs Bailey, whose six-year-old daughter Jessica will be taking part with her friends Caitlin McGhee, seven, and Katie Green, six.

Nearly a third of the mums are now taking part, along with others from St Andrew's play school and Pixies Nursery in Woolston.

Headteacher Miss Frith will be taking part along with teacher Jo Berry, clerical assistant Estelle Szasz, teaching assistant Pam Cook and admin assistant Sonya Easson.

"We are a close-knit school and the parents and staff get on extremely well. But this has brought us closer together," she said.

The school is holding a fun day on Sunday, July 13 from 11am to 3pm and proceeds from the day will go to Race for Life.

It's the tenth anniversary of the fundraising event and organisers are hoping up to 10,000 women will take part in Southampton.

So far 5,356 women have signed up for Race for Life in Southampton. Entries close on July 13.

To sign up, call 08705 134314.