A COURAGEOUS Wirral father who lost his wife to cancer is urging women to sign up to Cancer Research’s Race for Life.

Andy King and his two children, Theo, five, and Libby, three, will be guests of honour at the event in Wirral on Sunday July 5.

They will set the participants off at Birkenhead Park before cheering on a group of friends and family members at the event.

Mr King, from Wallasey Village, is supporting the event in tribute to his wife, Lisa, who died in April, 2007, aged 34.

She was diagnosed with lung cancer in October, 2006, just six months after giving birth to Libby.

Mr King, 35, said: “There will be quite a gang of women at Wirral this summer who all have a strong link to Lisa.

“I’m incredibly proud that Lisa’s story continues to inspire so many people.

“Theo, Libby and I are looking forward to setting the Race for Life runners off as it will be such a special and emotional day.

“Lisa was a very positive person who would have been thrilled that both our families and friends are working hard to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

“Race for Life is an amazing event. Men might not be able to take part, but we can offer plenty of support.

“We think of Lisa every minute of every day, but as she was such an upbeat individual we remain determined to be positive as possible even through the toughest of times.”

In summer, 2006, Mrs King developed a persistent cough and went to see her GP, who thought she had a chest infection and prescribed a course of antibiotics.

However, the cough continued, and she was referred to hospital for further tests which confirmed she had developed lung cancer.

The children’s psychiatric nurse at Alder Hey Hospital began chemotherapy treatment immediately, followed by radiotherapy treatment.

However, she died months later with her family and friends by her side, just four days after Libby’s first birthday.

Mr King’s mother, Shirley, his sister Amanda Newman, his brother’s girlfriend, Aimee McCloud, and Mrs King’s sister, Lianne Dolan, will all be taking part in the event.

Mr King, who works for Morgan Professional Services, a design and engineering company in Warrington, raised £4,500 for Cancer Research UK when he took part in the Great North Run last year.

WOMEN of all ages and fitness levels are invited to sign up and to walk, jog or run 5k.

For information log on to www.raceforlife.org or call 0871 641 2282.