AN INSPIRATIONAL woman who has dedicated more than half of her life to cancer charities following tragedy is shaping up for her first Race for Life, at the aged of 73.

Barbara Ludwig has been a member of Cancer Research UK for 40 years after losing her son to the disease.

Stuart was just eight when he died of a brain tumour and Mrs Ludwig has supported the charity ever since.

"It was such a traumatic experience, you don't want anyone else to go through that," she said.

"If it had been today it probably wouldn't have been the end of his life.

"That is what research is all about, to stride forward.

"It's the satisfaction of knowing all your hard work is coming to fruition.

"After so many years you can see the success and improvement in treatment and diagnosis.

"At one time it was regarded as a death sentence, now the cure rates are very high and there is light at the end of the tunnel."

The retired teacher, of Athelstan Road in Battenhall has been chair of the local Cancer Research UK committee in Worcester for 35 years and works at the charity's shop in the city centre.

Her personal involvement with cancer sadly did not end with her son's death, she will also be walking in memory of her father Harry Lowndes, who died of cancer in 1976.

"I might be crossing the finishing line on my hands and knees, but the ladies from the shop will be there to pick me up," she said.

"My husband thinks I'm crackers. He always says that I think I've never quite done enough.

"My son and grandchildren think it's great and they'll be there to watch and make sure nana doesn't cheat and go the quick way round."

Cancer Research UK's Race for Life is women's only 5km course, entrants can walk, jog or run.

The Worcester race will be on Sunday, June 13, starting at Worcester Race Course at Pitchcroft at 11am.

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

If you have a story to tell we would love to hear from you so please call Kate Yates on 01905 742258 or e-mail ky@thisisworcester.co.uk leaving your name and telephone number.

Bra-vo for the right kind of support

Can you imagine running with your feet squashed into an ill-fitting pair of running shoes?

Does the very thought make your toes curl?

Well the same goes for wearing the right sports bra.

Like an ill-fitting pair of running shoes, an ill-fitting bra can cause some physical problems such as chafing, sore breasts, shoulders and neck.

Sports that involve a lot of movement increase the need to wear the right bra. It should be comfortable and fit well.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a sports bra, such as no-bounce support, the degree of such movement when running and the shape of your body.

The ideal bra should fit snugly to control breast motion, but not so tightly as to interfere with breathing.

We sweat when we exercise, so bras with a mix of cotton and a breathable material such as lycra mesh are ideal.

Smooth or covered seams will be kinder to your more sensitive areas.

Hooks and fasteners must be covered with fabric and should be cushioned for maximum protection.

Wide, non-stretch straps are the best as they won't slip and cause friction.

In addition a wide 'y-back' panel can help increase support.

As with most things, your bra has a limited life.

Continuous machine cycles and harsh washing powders can harm delicate fibres, but you can prolong the life of it by hand washing and line drying.

With a little TLC your bra should become your faithful running partner.

Runaround has a ladies only evening on Wednesday, June 2, for women to be correctly kitted out.