A BRAVE Offenham schoolgirl with a rare form of cancer is determined to take part in the Journal-backed Race for Life at Evesham's Crown Meadow next month.

Charlotte Mears, aged 12, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in September last year. It is so rare that only about 30 children in the country are diagnosed each year.

Charlotte has been forced to undergo major surgery on her leg, which has left her wheelchair-bound.

The youngster is eager, however, to take part in the town's first Race for Life with her mum, Denise Bunn, and elder sister Tarnia Mears.

Charlotte has always been a keen runner and used to compete in the annual Evesham Fun Run.

Denise said: "We heard about the event through the Journal. With the situation with Charlotte and the first time Race for Life is being held in Evesham, it just seemed appropriate to take part."

She added: "One in three people in this country will be affected by cancer in some way.

"Until it touches someone you are close to, you do not realise how important Cancer Research UK is.

"The treatments have moved on and it is so important that they continue to improve."

More than 630 Vale people have already signed up to the Evesham Race for Life, which is supported by the Journal, but it is still possible to enter.

Entrants can run or walk the five-kilometre course at Crown Meadow on Sunday, June 15.

To enter the first Evesham Race for Life, call the entry hotline on 08705 134314 or visit www.raceforlife.org. All entries must be in a week before the race is held.