A COURAGEOUS dad who lost his wife to cancer is urging women to do something amazing by signing-up for Race for Life.

Andy King, a Birchwood businessman, and his two children, Theo, aged five and three-year-old Libby, will be guests of honour at the Cancer Research UK Race for Life in Wirral.

The 35-year-old, who works in Warrington, will set the participants off with his children before cheering on a big gang of friends and family members at the event.

A Race for Life event will be held at Arley Hall, close to Warrington, on Sunday, July 5.

Andy, who works for Morgan Professional Services, a design and engineering company in Birchwood, is supporting Race for Life in tribute to his brave wife, Lisa who died in April 2007, aged 34.

Lisa was diagnosed with lung cancer in October 2006, six months after giving birth to their second child, Libby.

In summer 2006, Lisa developed a persistent cough which she couldn’t shake off.

She went to see her GP who thought she had a chest infection and prescribed a course of anti-biotics.

However, the cough continued, and Lisa was referred to hospital for further tests which confirmed she had developed lung cancer.

Lisa, who worked as a children’s psychiatric nurse at Alder Hey Hospital, Liverpool, began chemotherapy treatment immediately, followed by radiotherapy treatment.

However in early 2007, Lisa’s health began to worsen and she became increasingly unwell.

Lisa spent more time in hospital but despite feeling so unwell, remained determined to be at home for Libby’s first birthday.

Unfortunately Lisa’s health deteriorated further and she returned to hospital.

She died in the early hours of April 2, 2007, with her family and friends by her side, just four days after Libby’s first birthday.

Andy, originally from Middlesbrough where he met Lisa, said: “I’m incredibly proud that Lisa’s story continues to inspire so many people.

“Theo, Libby and I are looking forward to setting the Race for Life runners off as it will be such a special and emotional day.

“Lisa was a very positive person who would have been thrilled that both our families and friends are working hard to raise money for Cancer Research UK.”

Andy raised £4,500 for Cancer Research UK when he took part in the Great North Run last year.

Women can enter at raceforlife.org or by calling 0871 6412282.