It is now 10 years since Adam Ramsey lost his mum to cancer, but he still thinks about her every day.

To mark the anniversary of her death, the Carlisle barman will be among the first male contestants to take part in the Race For Life.

Previously a women-only event, it is now open to everyone - including men.

Adam, 42, said the fundraiser - taking place in Bitts Park on Sunday - seems the perfect way to remember his mum, Catherine Gordon.

He said: “There isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t think about mum. There are still times when I go to pick up the phone and call her – and suddenly remember she’s not here. It’s truly heartbreaking.”

All money raised will go to Cancer Research UK - to help fund vital research and ultimately save lives.

“This year marks a decade since my mum died, so Race for Life feels like the perfect opportunity to honour her memory. It’s brilliant that blokes like me can now get involved in the event,” he added.

Adam’s mum Catherine, a shopworker at Tesco, was first diagnosed with cancer in 2007 after routine screening detected a lump in her breast.

She was successfully treated with surgery and chemotherapy, but sadly the disease returned in her bones and she died shortly afterwards.

Adam said: “My sisters used to joke with me and say that I was mum’s golden boy. We were always close - she’d help me with cooking and cleaning when I first left home and was always a huge rock in my life.”

After her death, Adam threw himself into fundraising and over the last decade has raised a whopping £100,000 for Cancer Research UK through charity events, fancy dress days and even dying his hair pink.

“I’m passionate about fundraising because I know firsthand just how important it is for us to fight this disease.

“It’s a real privilege to support Cancer Research UK and help bring forward the day we have a cure for cancer,” he said.

Adam is looking forward to the Race For Life - but also expects it to be an emotional occasion.

“Seeing thousands of people unifying for one cause at Bitts Park will be unbelievable, and when that countdown goes to start the race, I know it will make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up,” he said.

Adam now wants to encourage other men – as well as sons, daughters, mums, sisters, friends and workmates – to join him, and said there is still time to register for Sunday’s fundraiser.

Organised in partnership with Tesco, participants can choose between the 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy courses.

Anna Taylor, Cancer Research UK’s Carlisle spokeswoman, said: “We are hugely grateful to Adam for his support. By following his lead, and joining the Race for Life, people in Carlisle can make a real difference in the fight against cancer. Money raised will help Cancer Research UK scientists and doctors find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease, helping save more lives.

“Our Race for Life events are fun, colourful, emotional and uplifting. You don’t need to be sporty to take part. You don’t have to train, and you certainly don’t need to compete against anyone else.”

n To enter Race for Life in Carlisle today visit raceforlife.org

n The charity is also seeking volunteers to help with marshalling on the day. Contact event manager Lauren at lauren.robertson@cancer.org.uk.