Mrs Doyle, of Winch Road, told the Lynn News: "It was Keely's idea to take part and we will be running in memory of Keely's granddad, who died of cancer just over a year ago.

"Keely wanted to take part to remember him and is very excited about it."

Mrs Doyle, who is also mum to four-year-old Tally, has run the race twice before and said she would definitely encourage other women to sign up.

"There is such a great atmosphere apart from anything else and everyone has different reasons for taking part. All charities are worthwhile, but I think everybody knows someone who suffers with cancer or who has died. Cancer is such a horrible thing and it touches everyone."

The mother and daughter already walk to school as often as they can and plan to start walking in and around the village in preparation for the big race.

Mrs Doyle added: "We've got a couple of sponsors already and hope to raise around £50. It's hard when everybody wants sponsorship, I always seem to be selling raffle tickets or collecting for something, but a lot of people are taking part and if we all raise £50 it will go a long way."

Event manager Miss Gemma Turpin said: "Some women might assume Race for Life is about running, but it's all about women coming together to raise money to beat cancer.

"Who comes first is unimportant and the vast majority of participants choose to walk – often chatting with friends for the hour or so it takes to stroll round the five-kilometre course.

"Walking is a great form of exercise and is really easy, especially now that spring is finally upon us. There are lots of easy ways to get ready for your event such as walking the kids to school in the morning or getting off the bus a couple of stops early on the way home.

"Regular exercise doesn't have to feel hard and it's one of the ways to reduce the risk of cancer so why not enter Race for Life today?"

• To sponsor Mrs Doyle and Keely, click on www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/sally doyle