THREE generations of the same family will be putting on their running shoes for Race for Life in Southamp-ton.

Grandmother Jean Darke, 57, from Bitterne Park, her daughter Louise Pead, 34, and little Chaya Brown, aged 5, will all be tackling the 5km course on Southampton Common.

Jean explained she had a special reason for wanting to take part.

"I have lost two friends to cancer, my school friend Jennifer French and another friend Ike Henson," she said.

Last year Jean and Louise power-walked their way round the course and as soon as they finished they vowed to take part again, but this time with Chaya as well.

"The atmosphere is just electric it is a wonderful day.

"I am looking forward to all three of us doing it together," she said.

Jean, Louise and Chaya will be among 10,000 women taking part in this year's Race for Life on Sunday, July 16.

It is the tenth anniversary of the major city event that has grown in popularity over the decade.

Initially it was held at the Royal Victoria Country Park, but when it proved extremely popular, it was moved to The Common.

Now it is the largest single Race for Life event of its kind in the country. This year organisers are hoping to smash the £600,000 raised last year and they hope more women will return their donation money.

Each year more than one third of participants fail to return the much-needed cash they have pledged to raise.

If you are taking part in this year's Race for Life and you would like to share your story call Kate Thompson on 023 8042 4761. Or you can e-mail at kate.thompson@soton-echo.co.uk