A WIRRAL woman who raised thousands of pounds for cancer charities last year in memory of her mum is hoping to smash her previous target when she takes part in this year's Race For Life.

Kerry Otton, from Bromborough, did more than just run when she took part in the event last July.

After completing the 5K, the 35-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 in the pub for almost three years – did, raising £3,015.71 for the worthwhile cause.

Since holding her first charity event last summer, Kerry has organised various events at the Merebrook.

The mother-of-two is doing it all again this year, with plans already in place for a second Think Pink Party in memory of her mum Linda, who died from lung cancer last April at the age of 57.

"Everyday is a constant battle but my kids and my work and fundraising has helped me with my grief," said Kerry, who is one of more than 770 people who have already signed up for this year’s Race for Life, which takes place in Birkenhead Park on June 28.

"I just want to do all I can to help cancer research so that no other families have to go through the pain of losing a loved one. 

"My mum was my inspiration and I try everyday to follow in her footsteps.

“It feels like I’m fighting on my mum’s behalf and I want so much to continue to make her proud."

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

Kerry said: “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 want to make my beautiful mum proud and one thing I have come to realise is that this horrible disease affects almost everyone in some way or another and I want to do all I can to raise as much money and awareness as possible for this cause.”

Last week marked the first anniversary of Linda's death.

Kerry said: "It has been a tough year for us all but we've all tried to stay strong. My dad has been amazingly strong we see each other daily and he looks after my children when I'm working - he's my rock.

"My brother and his girlfriend had a beautiful baby girl in January they named her after my mums favourite flower, Lily. They knew they were expecting a few days before my mum's funeral which was incredibly difficult but we have all stuck together to get through as we know that is what my mum would want."

This year’s fundraising day, which starts at 2pm, will consist of a variety of events including a tombola, cake sale, bric a brac, face painting, arts and crafts, a silent auction and much more.

Kerry said that without her manager's support, such events would not be possible.

Local band Firefly are supporting the event once again and will be playing at the Merebrook from 9pm.
Race For Life organisers hope 3,6000 women will sign up for the Globe-backed event.

Last year it raised £175,000 and the aim this time is to raise £164,000.

The Globe has been the race's official newspaper since 2005.

To enter Race for Life go to raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.