A MOTHER-OF-TWO is to run a charity race for the eighth time next month - raising hundreds of pounds in the process.

Roberta Bowman, 51, a newsagent from Houghton-le-Side, Heighington, near Darlington, takes part in Race For Life each year to raise money for Cancer Research UK. She also helps out at all the charity's races across the North-East.

This year, she will take part in the 5km challenge on Saturday, June 26, at Ormesby Hall, in Middlesbrough.

She said: "I usually raise around about the £500 mark. I think it's a great cause and I think it encourages women to stand up for themselves and not just let cancer happen to them.

"I think if men were involved a lot of women might not enter. As it is the atmosphere at the events is always really good."

Race for Life is also taking place in South Park, Darlington, on Sunday, June 20; Herrington Country Park, Sunderland, Sunday, June 6; Saltwell Park, Gateshead, Sunday, May 23, and Newcastle Race Course on Sunday, July 11.

To enter visit www.raceforlife.org or call 08705 134314.