WHEN Sarah Davis ran Race for Life with her mum Catherine, they knew cancer would one day force them apart.

Now a year on from Catherine’s death, Sarah has raised more than £8,500 for Cancer Research UK and will run this weekend’s Race for Life with her mum’s photograph pinned proudly to her back.

Sarah, 14, from North Hinksey in Oxford, said: “My mum died last April aged 43, from breast cancer. She was diagnosed first when I was seven and fought it twice, but she could not stop it taking her the third time and she spent her final days at the Sobell House Hospice.”

The Matthew Arnold School pupil continued: “My family and I, including my younger brother Tom, who is 12, lived with cancer for a long time. But Mum, who was a nurse at the JR Hospital, was very strong.

“She also raised a lot of money for cancer charities through events like Race for Life, before she died.”

Race for Life is a women-only, 5k run, walk or jog funding the work of Cancer Research UK.

About 6,100 runners are expected to take part tomorrow at 10am at University Parks, Oxford.

Registrations are now closed.

Sarah continued: “In 2011 Mum and I did Race for Life together and it was amazing.

“Before she died Mum told me I would have success and love and lots of fun and that she would always stay in my heart.

“So when she passed away I decided to honour her memory by also raising as much money as I could to help other people suffering from cancer.”

Sarah and 30 of her school friends raised £8,500 in Race for Life last summer and she also raised more than £1,000 by holding a pink day at school.

She said: “So far my fundraising for this Race for Life is up to £3,000, but I would like to raise more and hope people will sponsor my friends and I through our Race for Life page again.

“It has been hard without mum. My dad Nigel is great and we have a nanny to help out, but we all miss Mum so much.

“I think she would be thrilled to know I am raising money to help find a cure for cancer though and if she could, she would be taking part in this year’s Race for Life too.”

Katherine Ryan, headteacher of Matthew Arnold School in Cumnor, said: “I have been very impressed with Sarah's commitment.”

Sarah’s sponsorship page is: https://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/catherinesangels