Pair's charity efforts

8:58am Sunday 24th September 2006

A BUCKHURST Hill woman whose family has been hit by prostate cancer has taken part in a 5km race to help fight the disease.

Mel Riaz, of Blackmore Road, joined 120 other women runners raising money for the Prostate Cancer Charity by taking part in the 2006 Hydro Active Women's Challenge.

The 32-year-old was compelled to get involved after two members of her family were diagnosed with the disease.

She said: "I originally wanted to take part for a children's charity but this cause was closer to home for this year.

The mother-of-two completed the course, in London's Hyde Park, in little more than 35 minutes.

She said: "It was a great atmosphere and I really enjoyed myself. I will definitely be doing it again next year and will be better prepared."

Mrs Riaz was joined in her Hydro Challenge efforts by friend Sarah Sherad, also 32, of Valley Hill, Loughton.

She was running in aid of Cancer Research, raising £80.

Mrs Sherad said: "I'm probably the laziest person in the world so it was more of a fast walk as opposed to a run.

"I donate monthly to the Cancer Research anyway so this was the next logical step to help out."

Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer in the UK with 32,000 men diagnosed and 10,000 dying from the disease every year.

For more information about prostate cancer call 0800 074 8383 or to make a donation to The Prostate Cancer Charity ring 0208 222 7622 or visit www.prostate cancer.org.uk