The mother of a man who died of cancer aged just 34 is appealing for women who took part in last month's Race For Life to return their sponsorship money.

Martin Pover, who would have celebrated his 35th birthday today, died of lung cancer in December - just two days after being diagnosed with the disease.

His mother, May Shipperbottom, and eight-year-old niece, Georgia Mort, were VIP runners at this year's Bolton Race For Life, which was held in Leverhulme Park on July 22.

The pair, who wore the coveted number one and two on their shirts, raised a whopping £1,000 for Cancer Research UK.

They are now appealing for others to collect their cash and get it back to the charity as soon as possible.

Mrs Shipperbottom, aged 52, of Penrice Close, Radcliffe, said: "As a mother I felt guilty because there was nothing I could do with Martin, so I wanted to take part in the Race For Life and raise as much money as possible.

"I would urge anyone else who took part to get their money in as quickly as possible, so it can be pumped into helping people."

Leverhulme Park was filled with 4,000 women, who walked, jogged or ran the 5k run, which was held in two races.

Many of them had been personally touched by cancer.

Organisers are hoping the Bolton races will raise £260,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Imogen Johnson, the Bolton race organiser, said: "I hope everyone who took part in Race For Life really enjoyed it, but we mustn't forget the reason why we all came together - to raise money to help more people survive cancer - a disease which will effect one in three people in the UK at some stage in their lives.

"The sooner women return sponsorship money, the sooner Cancer Research UK can make the most of the funds in our efforts to beat cancer."

For more information on how to return your sponsorship money or to make a donation visit www.raceforlife.org or call the hotline on 08705134314.