LONGSTANDING friendship has inspired school staff to join a national fundraising event in aid of Cancer Research UK.

When the national Race for Life visits Darlington's South Park on July 14, a group of 21 teachers and parents from St Charles RC Primary School, in Spennymoor, will be in the field of up to 1,000 runners.

The team will be joined over the two-mile course by an old friend who has suffered from breast cancer and is, they say, a very special person.

Teaching assistant Sue Mitchell said the woman, who does not wish to be identified, had known many of the school team since her own schooldays.

Mrs Mitchell said: "She is a special friend and we will be celebrating her life. She is going to walk with us on the day.

"We all know other people who have had cancer and this will be a way of doing something for them."

Organisers of the event hope to raise at least £60,000 for Cancer Research UK. Anyone wanting to take part should call 08705 134314 or visit www.raceforlife.co.uk