Penwortham youngsters to take on Cancer Research UK's Pretty Muddy Kids event in memory of gran

Abbie Livesey (left) and Grace Livesey (right) who wil be doing Pretty Muddy Kids in Preston

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Joan, who was a foster carer, had been feeling lethargic for some time before she suddenly collapsed in December 2014.

Following extensive tests, Joan, who was aged 59 at the time, was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Joan Willison with Grace Livesey (left) and Abbie Livesey (right)

She had chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment and her partner Ian gave up work to care for Joan for two years. She was admitted to St Catherine’s Hospice for 10 days before she died in November 2016 aged 61.

Joan had been a devoted grandma to Abbie and Grace, who are both pupils at Our Lady and St Gerard’s RC Primary School in Lostock Hall, and used to read to them every week before bed.

Her son, Mark Livesey, said: “My mum was a really special and caring lady who was devoted to her grandchildren.

“So, it’s a fitting tribute that they are both remembering her in this way by taking part in a fun event to raise money for Cancer Research UK.”

The new obstacle course has been designed just for children and includes scramble nets, space hoppers, mud chutes and a ‘Muddy Paws’ race.

Jane Bullock, Cancer Research UK’s spokesman for Preston, said: “We’re delighted Preston will be hosting a Pretty Muddy Kids events. The obstacle course promises plenty of fun, thrills and spills and we hope children like Grace and Abbie will rally their friends, family and schoolmates to sign up and take on the challenge.

“Race for Life events are not competitive and children can complete the Pretty Muddy Kids course at their own pace, climbing, jumping, walking and laughing their way around. Whether they plan to wade their way through the mud or make a big splash, every muddy step they take will help to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.”

The entry fee for Pretty Muddy Kids is £10. The event is open to boys and girls aged up to 12 years old and there is a minimum height requirement of 1.2m. All children must be accompanied by a supervising adult, who have free entry to the event.

To enter Race for Life Pretty Muddy Kids today go to http://www.raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.

Pretty Muddy Kids will be held on the morning of Saturday June 16 followed by Pretty Muddy for women (girls aged 13 and over).

Race for Life 5k and 10k events will be held at 11am at Moor Park on Sunday June 17.