A PROUD Wirral mum who lost a parent to cancer earlier this year has helped to raise more than £3,000 in her memory.

Kerry Otton, from Bromborough, did more than just run when she took part in the Race for Life on July 27.

After completing the 10k, the 34-year-old threw her very own “Think Pink Party” at the Merebrook pub in the hope of raising vital cash for Cancer Research UK.

And that is exactly what Kerry – who has worked at the pub for just over two years – did, raising £3,015.71 for the worthwhile cause.

The fundraising day, which started at 2pm, consisted of a variety of events including a teddy tombola, cake sale, nail art, face painting, arts and crafts and much more.

Local businesses also pulled together to support the event, which was organised in memory of Kerry’s mum, Linda, who died from lung cancer on April 15 at the age of 57.

“The whole reason I am doing this is for my mum, she was so special and such an amazingly strong woman,” said Kerry, who has been supported by her colleagues and manager Roisin.

“Mum struggled with all kinds of health problems all her life and then after being admitted to hospital due to feeling unwell and breathless.

“We were all hit with the devastating news that she had lung cancer and also cancer of the adrenal gland.”

Linda tackled the disease head on but sadly, seven weeks later and after just two lots of chemotherapy, she lost her battle.

Kerry added: “We found out later from my dad that the cancer had spread to her stomach and pancreas but she would not led dad tell us as she wanted us to still have hope.

“That sums up what kind of a mum and nanna she was, even though she was going through this hell of a battle she still put us first and tried to protect us.

“I was doing the fundraiser in the Merebrook before mum passed and she was supporting me all the way but now she has gone, it means so much more to me.

“I couldn’t stop the tears all day, it was so overwhelming and family and friends kept coming to me telling me my mum would be beaming with pride and I hope they’re right.

“She would have loved a day like Sunday, she would have been smiling the whole day.”

Kerry and six of her colleagues from the pub were among 3,000 who took part in the Globe-backed Race For Life in Birkenhead Park.

She added: “I feel so proud of the whole Merebrook team, they all worked so hard and it was definitely a day to remember and I would like to do it all again next year.

“I have to give a huge thank you to all the local businesses that supported us and thanks to the Merebrook team and everyone who was involved on the day – it was because of them that we tripled our target.”