RACE for Life's number one competitor, Sam Leadbeater, is taking part in the event in memory of the mum she lost only three days before giving birth to her own daughter.

Sam was nominated by her sister-in-law, Karen Burnett, following the Craven Herald's appeal to find women to wear the running numbers one and two at the Broughton Hall Estate on Sunday.

Karen explained that the family had been on a rollercoaster of emotion since Sam's mum, Cynthia Burnett, had been diagnosed with lung cancer in February 2005. Later that year, she underwent major surgery and had part of her lung removed.

She made a good recovery and saw Samantha marry husband Robert in August 2005.

The family was delighted when the couple then announced in March 2006 that they were expecting their first baby. Cynthia was delighted at the prospect of becoming a grandma again.

Sadly, the run of happy news was not to last and that autumn, the family was dealt the devastating blow that Cynthia's cancer had spread and she only had a few months to live. Sam, who was heavily pregnant by this time, nursed her mum at home whilst still working part-time.

At the beginning of December, Karen's daughter and Cynthia's eldest grandchild, 10-year-old Charlotte, decided the family should put the Christmas tree up as Cynthia was coming home from hospital. Unfortunately, she never got to see the tree as she died on December 11, aged 59.

Three days later, Sam's daughter, Matilda Rose, was born - Cynthia's youngest granddaughter who she never got to meet.

Karen said she nominated Sam as she had been through such a tough time giving birth when she had just lost her own mum.

She added: "Sam is a natural when it comes to motherhood and Matilda is such a happy little girl. I know Cynthia would be so proud of her."

Sam will take Matilda around the five kilometre Race for Life course and Karen will be joined by Charlotte. They will also be remembering Sam's friend, Michelle Cunliffe, and Karen's friend, Helen Boyland, who also died of cancer.

Sam said they felt her mum, who managed to do Race for Life herself last year, would be looking down on them as they walked.

More than 3,000 women have signed up for the two races, at 10.30am and 3pm. Matthew Wolfenden, who plays David Metcalfe in Emmerdale, will start the 10.30am race and one of those lining up on the start line will be cast mate Jenna-Louise Coleman, who plays Jasmine Thomas.

This year women are in for an extra treat as a band of male cheerleaders will be on hand to spur them on.