A woman who lost her father to cancer is encouraging people to sign up for a fundraising run to help raise money for research.

Lauren Thorpe, of Caishowe Road, Borehamwood, lost her father, Alan, to oesophageal and lung cancer last October when he was 49.

Now Lauren, 24, is planning on showing that hell hath no fury like a woman in pink and will take part in the 5k Race for Life in Cassiobury Park, in Watford, on Sunday June 14.

The former Hertswood Academy pupil said: “Dad hated going to the doctors so Mum had to force him. He’d been unwell with a sore throat for a while but it was when he complained that swallowing was hurting his stomach that it really sounded like something wasn’t right.

“He started chemotherapy, which made him really ill. He lost a lot of weight. Sometimes he wasn’t able to breathe so we had to take him to hospital.

“The whole family was knocked sideways by his diagnosis. We couldn’t believe what was happening to him.”

At the time, Lauren was working for Westminster Home Care in Borehamwood but gave up her job to care full time for her father.

After his death, she took over his business, Rapid Tool Hire, in St Albans Road, Watford.

Before their father died, Lauren and her sister, Natasha, 20, took part in the Race for Life and were cheered on by their father.

She said: “It was a brilliant day – very moving but great to all be doing something together to help beat cancer sooner.

“It was really emotional when dad was waiting for me at the finish line and it really felt like I was doing something to help.

“I’d like to encourage all women to sign up now for Race for Life. As well as being a fantastic day out, it was incredibly inspiring to take part alongside so many amazing women.”

To enter Race for Life today go to raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.