A MOTHER is urging people to swap their slippers for trainers by taking part in the Cancer Research UK Manchester Winter Run.

Mum-of-one, Lindsey Lyons, is running in the 10k event, which takes place in the city for the first time on February 28 and is urging men and women to join her.

The event’s special wintry features include falling snow and hugs from friendly ‘polar bears’ on the finish line, providing an added incentive to conquer the cold for Cancer Research UK.

Lindsey, aged 39, hopes as many people as possible across the North West will embrace the new challenge and help to raise vital funds for life-saving research.

Lindsey was keen to take part after losing her dad to cancer. She also wanted to “get fit at 40” as she celebrates the milestone birthday in January.

Lindsey, who works as a dispatch clerk in Chadderton, Oldham, said: “I’m not a natural runner, so taking part in Winter Run will prove a real challenge for me!

“Losing my dad at such a young age was shocking and it’s heart-breaking that he never got to meet Clarissa who is now aged eight.

“By raising money through the Winter Run, I want to help Cancer Research UK fund research which will help save more lives in the future.

“The cold won’t put me off because I know the money I’m raising is helping to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured. That’s what will keep me going come rain, shine or blizzard.”

Peter Gurnhill became ill aged 58 when he started to suffer with breathlessness. He had always had physical jobs and been fairly fit.

Following a visit to the GP, he was sent to hospital where fluid was drained from his lungs. A consultant at Trafford General Hospital immediately suspected the problem and Peter was diagnosed with mesothelioma. He had worked as a young apprentice boiler engineer and the consultant believed Peter must have been exposed to asbestos during the 1960s.

Peter was sent to Leicester for specialist surgery. But the treatment was unsuccessful and he died less than a year after the diagnosis aged 59.

Lindsey had discovered she was pregnant with her first baby while her dad was fighting cancer.

She gave birth to baby Clarissa in February 2007 just the day after her dad had died. It was a particularly difficult time for the whole family, including Lindsey’s mum, who had been with her dad for 38 years.

Lindsey, who is married to Jonathan, concentrated her energies on Clarissa while her older brother looked after their grieving mum.