Familiar face set to launch Race for Life

DAWN will launch the 5k Manchester Race for Life on Sunday with a motivational speech from the main stage

A MUM-OF-TWO whose face is recognised nationally after a photo of her finishing Oldham parkrun went viral will be the special guest at this weekend's Race for Life.

The happy, make-up-free photo of Dawn Nisbet (41) completing her 5k last October attracted more than 10,000 likes and shares on social media.

Inspiration Dawn, who has encouraged a host of others to start running, will speak on stage and launch the 5k race at Heaton Park this Sunday.

More than 7,600 women are set to participate in both the Pretty Muddy race on Saturday and 5k run, raising £420,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Dawn, from Garden Suburb, began running at last year's Manchester Race for Life after her step-mum Hilary Pickles (63), from Devon, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

NHS manager Dawn said: "When my step-mum got her cancer diagnosis it was a complete shock as she's very, very fit and I'd never known her to be poorly. She's had chemotherapy and is still being treated and is living her life around it now.

"The message she wants me to give out to people when I speak to the crowd at Race for Life is not to wait if you have possible symptoms which might turn out to be cancer. In my step-mum's case it was back ache and bloating and she wishes she'd gone to the doctor earlier. Her diagnosis was the catalyst for everything. I signed up for Race for Life Pretty Muddy and completed that in July and I just loved it."

This year Dawn, who has dropped two dress sizes since taking up running, will participate in both of the weekend races.

She said: "This year's Race for Life will be a milestone for me as it's a year since I started running. I definitely feel so much fitter now and Race for Life was the springboard.

"I'd encourage others to give it a go. It's a really friendly, welcoming atmosphere. If I can do it so can you."

Event manager Kirsti Thompson said: "We're thrilled to have Dawn marking her milestone one year of running at Heaton Park and are proud that Race for Life set her on her way to a new healthier lifestyle.

"Dawn's story really sums up what Race for Life is about. It isn't about being the fittest, fastest or first to the finish. It's about women coming together in the fight against cancer, doing something enjoyable and being active."

Entries for the race are open until midnight tonight.

To sign up visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.

Runners can also sign up at the 'Can I Help' gazebo on the day.