A HUSBAND and wife team are leading a 10k challenge in tirbute to his mum - who is battling cancer.

Simon and Jane Eccles, both 34 from Astley Village, near Chorley, are aiming to raise thousands of pounds for Cancer Research UK for his mum, Margaret Eccles, from Langho.

Simon, who is assistant head teacher of Worden Sports College in Leyland, and Jane, who is a GP at Peel House Surgery, Accrington, will be among the runners setting off at Cancer Research UK's Tatton Park 10k event in Cheshire on Sunday, September 23.

Simon said: "My mum is an incredible lady and has always done so much for others, that it was imperative we did something in tribute to all that she has achieved.

"When mum was diagnosed with cancer again in 2005 it was the worst shock of our lives because we all thought the cancer was in the past and never dreamt it would come back.

"We all find it difficult coping with her condition because she is so weak, but we just take it one day at a time."

Margaret, 70, was diagnosed with breast cancer, the same disease which killed her mum in the 1950s, when she was aged 49.

The mum-of-four then underwent a mastectomy followed by surgery to remove her second breast in 1996. Margaret enjoyed a career in nursing before moving into residential care management.

However in September 2005 she developed a severe chest infection. An X-ray on her lung revealed a shadow and further tests showed that cancer had developed in her lung and bones.

Margaret underwent chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy and is now cared for by her husband at home and receives respite care from East Lancashire Hospice.

Simon said: "Giving money to charity is one thing, but actually getting into training and doing a 10k run is a really special way for us to say thank you to my mum for being such an inspiration.

"We will be thinking of her when we set the runners off and every step of the way."

Simon and Jane will be joined in the 10k challenge by Simon's sister, Fran Eccles-Bech, who lives near Manchester.

Jane said: "I just want to do everything I can to support Simon and Fran and their amazing mum.

"As a GP I meet many people affected by cancer and fully realise the impact it has on families. Research into the disease is absolutely imperative."

Cancer Research UK Tatton Park 10k organiser, Esther Hartas, said: "Simon, Jane and their family are fantastic ambassadors for Cancer Research UK and we're delighted that they will set the runners off in tribute to Margaret."

Places are still available for the Cancer Research UK 10k event. To register visit cancerresearchuk10.co.uk.