A woman from Wigan is gearing up for a new 10k run next weekend in memory of her husband who passed away last year after a seven month battle with cancer.

Lynne Hutton, 38, is taking part in the Jane Tomlinson Pennine Lancashire 10k event on Sunday 11th July in Blackburn with a group of friends to raise money for The Christie.

Her husband Mal was diagnosed with mouth cancer in October 2008 and underwent treatment at the leading cancer centre.  He sadly died on the 16th May 2009, aged 38, just two weeks after the pair got married.

Lynne has since set up a special fund in Mal's memory called the C.H.A.N.C.E. fund (campaign for head and neck cancer education) to raise money and awareness about the disease.

Lynne said; "When Mal was first diagnosed, we knew very little about head and neck cancer although it affects people in various ways and is becoming more common which is why we wanted to do something.

''I've had so much support from local dentists and have put posters up in surgeries about some of the common symptoms people should look out for.  We've also been selling wristbands and badges there to promote our C.H.A.N.C.E. fund.

"So far we've raised over £20,000 for The Christie through other activities like the Three Peaks Challenge and coast to coast walks.  There are eight of running this Pennine Lancashire 10k race, all friends of Mal's and mine, so we'll hopefully give that figure a big boost.

 "I miss Mal everyday and not a minute goes by when I don't think about him.  Thoughts of him will spur me on as I run the race.  If anyone can support us, please visit www.justgiving.com/mal-hutton-CHANCE-Fund."

Sporting events officer at the Christie charity, Rachel Dring, said; "Lynne is truly inspirational.  The past year must have been extremely challenging, loosing her husband at such a young age.  Yet she's been passionately and selflessly doing everything she can to help others.

"We'll be cheering her and all her friends on in Blackburn.  We can't thank them enough for their support."

"There are charity places available if anyone would like to take part in this new and exciting event in aid of The Christie.  Contact our team on 0161 446 3400 or email events@christies.org."

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