A PAWLETT woman is taking part in a sponsored slimathon to raise money and awareness of a cancer which killed her mother.

Christine Wallwork, 52, lost her mother Pamela Clarke to pancreatic cancer on October 17 last year.

She said: “Pancreatic cancer is the fifth cause of death by cancer yet it only receives 1% of overall cancer research funding.

“Mum first went to her GP in January last year with chronic indigestion and when that didn’t improve she went for numerous tests and finally a biopsy.

“She was told she had pancreatic cancer in July 2014 and that it was terminal and was given three to six months to live and died exactly three months later.

“She was only 72 and as her only child we were extremely close. “It’s a horrendous disease and watching her go through it was horrible.”

Christine is now trying to lose 72lbs by the first anniversary of her mum’s death and joined Puriton Slimming Club in January to help her with her goal.

She added: “Everyone is really supportive and it’s been a great help – I’ve already lost a stone and a half.

“I’ve been really focused. I didn’t even have one Easter egg this year, which is unheard of for me.

“There’s a lot of people sponsoring me and supporting me so I don’t want to let them down.

“Every little bit helps and I’m really grateful to everyone who has sponsored me and supported me so far.”

Christine has already raised £200 and wants to bring her total up to £500 for Pancreatic Cancer UK to support their work.

Debbie Morris, Christine’s group leader, added: “I’m really proud of Christine ... in just eight weeks she is already well on her way to achieving her weight loss dream.

“I’m thrilled that our group will be supporting her every step of the way with her important weight loss journey.”

To sponsor Christine visit justgiving.com/christine-wallwork or text PAMS72 to 70070.