A Workington man is gearing up to take part in this year's Festival of Running in memory of his uncle and sister.

John Hastings, 43, of Mossbay Road, will take part in the 10k race in aid of Cancer Research UK.

John lost his uncle Tony to bone cancer last year and his sister Terena died from non Hodgkin lymphoma in 1996.

He has raised about £6,000 for the charity since 2008 through charity nights and by taking part in a series of races.

John hopes to raise £500 by running the 10k on Sunday, July 3 and will receive sponsorship money which will go to Cancer Research.

He said: "As much as I remember the good times, the tears are never far away. It was a year since my uncle died this week and I broke down.

"I would give up everything I've done in my life to have them back.

"With me not doing the Cumbrian Run this year I wanted to do something different.

"It's in my hometown of Workington and I wanted to do it."

John has taken part in five Great Cumbrian Runs and a Cumbria 10k and will be a marshal at this year's Great Cumbrian Run.

He also opened Workington's Cancer Research shop on Murray Road last December.

This year's Festival of Running, which is organised by CN Events, will start at the Cloffocks in Workington and will feature a 1k, a 5k and the 10k race.

John added: "I'm excited about it. It's in Workington, it's something different and I hope the event itself is well attended.

"My personal best in a 10k run is two hours and fifteen minutes, but I know I can shave off half an hour.

"I'm so grateful to everyone for their support for all the time I've been fundraising."

To support John, visit  www.justgiving.com/johnhastings2016