MUD, glorious mud, that’s what one cancer survivor from Ashwater will be taking on this month as she tackles the Plymouth Pretty Muddy 5k on Sunday, September 29.

Kerry Wilcox is a Cancer Research UK Race for Life aficionado having taken part for the last ten years, but decided this year to ramp up the pressure and take on something a bit...muddier.

Kerry said: “I take part in the Race for Life every year. This year I thought I would try the Muddy Run — to be fair I must be mad as I hate mud!”

However, Kerry said her hatred of mud will only motivate her to complete the course in a faster time, “I will be trying to dodge the mud!” she exclaimed.

Despite this Kerry is very much looking forward to speaking to others taking on the course and supporting her fellow racers. She said: “Most of all I will be enjoying the day and chatting to people on the way round, but also remembering why it is such an important fundraising event.”

Kerry will be running this year, not only in celebration of her own triumph over cancer, but in memory of her father, Colin Punter, who sadly passed away earlier this year after a short battle with lung cancer. Kerry said: “I was diagnosed with appendix cancer in 2014 so I’m in remission still. I lost my very dear and wonderful father to cancer in January this year. So, even more reason for me to continue this.”

She added: “It was a big decision to make whether I do this or not, as dad always came with me and supported me.”

Cancer impacts so many people and Kerry said she is ready to lend a supportive hand to a fellow ‘competitor’ should they need it, because, as she says, the day is all about helping those who have been affected by this awful disease: “My favourite part of the race is knowing that everyone on that day, has or does know someone who has suffered from this horrible disease. Whether like me being a cancer survivor and still in remission you can help others. Even if it is just a helping hand on the shoulder to the person next to you. The atmosphere is amazing, despite this being a very much hurtful day, every single person is showing support and its great.”

Kerry would encourage others who are thinking of signing up to do so: “People that have never done a Race for Life, well, this is a must!

“Everyone sadly now a days knows someone who has been affected by cancer. Every penny counts, but even if you only raise £50 that is better than nothing. The day is fun and the people who attend are amazing.

“Some people say you have to be brave, but you don’t. You just have to remember the reasons why and have a good day. This day it great, it can be done with a group of friends or even on your own. I cannot stress how everyone comes together on the day.”

Kerry is once again raising money for Cancer Research UK. She set herself an initial target of £200 and was astounded when the public more than doubled it. Kerry said: “Smashing my target was amazing! I wanted to raise £200 and I’m just shy of £500. I cannot thank my friends and family enough. But I am very happy to accept more donations!”

So far Kerry’s online fundraiser has accumulated £460.

If anyone would like to donate visit fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/kerrys-race-for-life-3344