A group of Norwich girls are running the Race for Life in memory of their lost loved ones.

Staff at the recruitment agency Jark plc hope to raise thousands for Cancer Research by completing the 10k on Saturday May 14.

Self-named the Jarkettes, nine of them will take part in the Norwich race, whilst two will be put through their paces at the Welywn race in Hertfordshire.

Gemma Pierce decided to race after her family members and a friend lost battles to cancer.

The 28-year-old, who lives in Wymondham, will run for her grandmother and her auntie Winni, who both died of breast cancer, as well as her friend Nathan, who died at 32 following a struggle with bowel cancer.

She said: 'I think it is important that we raise awareness of how cancer can affect people of all ages. Each year I have been running for another person. It makes you realise that cancer is so close to you.'

'I just hope we can raise as much money as possible. We have a target of �1,500 to �2,000.'

Meanwhile, another Jark worker is running the race after she lost her grandmother to cancer.

Lorna Dootson, 28, who lives near Sprowston is running in memory of her grandmother who died from bone cancer eight years ago, as well as a close family friend who died last year.

She said: 'My Nan was quite loud and had a big presence. She was very bubbly and loved going out - I think I am a lot like her.

'This is now the fourth time I am doing the Race for Life. I started off by doing the five kilometre and moved up to the 10 kilometre. That is what I am doing again this year.'

The Race for Life in Norwich will take place the at the Norwich Showground on Dereham Road, Costessey

There will be four races taking place including a 10km race at 10am and a 5km at 2pm on Saturday May 14 and two 5km races at 11am and 3pm on Sunday May 15.

Other Jark staff running the race include, Charlie Fullerton, 27, from the city centre, whose Mum recovered from ovarian cancer; Natalie Money, 24, from the city centre, who saw a family member survive breast cancer twice; and Melisa Dawson, 30, who is running for her grandfather who died of prostrate cancer 19 years ago.

Women in Norfolk can enter Cancer Research UK's 5k and 10k Race for Life at www.raceforlife.org or by calling 0871 641 1111.

Do you have a Race for Life story for the Evening News? Contact reporter Ben Woods on 01603 772439 or email ben.woods@archant.co.uk.