Daughter's fun run tribute to their dad

MORE than 100 people are to take part in a race to celebrate the memory of a popular Sheffield man who died suddenly from cancer.

Jim Cooper, aged 55, died just three weeks after being told he had the disease.

His sudden death was a huge shock to family and friends of the Inland Revenue worker from Handsworth who was a popular member of the local community.

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Following his diagnosis Jim had planned to watch his daughters Emma, 21, and Laura, 17, take part in Cancer Research UK's Race for Life at Don Valley Stadium.

But he did not live to watch the annual five-kilometre women-only race that raises many thousands of pounds to tackle cancer.

Now Emma and Laura have decided to stage their own event at Rother Valley Country Park, on Saturday October 27, which would have been their dad's birthday weekend, in aid of Cancer Research UK.

"We were originally planning for it to be just the two of us," said Emma. "But then it expanded as friends, family and my dad's colleagues and people from church also wanted to take part."

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About, 120 people will be taking part in the five-kilometre race, called 'Racing for Jim and Cancer Research UK'.

"It started off as a small event and more people have wanted to get involved," said Emma. "I don't think I'm surprised as my dad was popular but it is really nice that people want to get involved."

Jim, who was a keen footballer in his youth was active and enjoyed sports. He was involved with St Joseph's Primary School in Hands-worth where his daughters went to school, and had many friends.

Emma said they plan for the race to be a fun event as well as raising funds for the fight against cancer. "It's going to be an upbeat atmosphere," she added.

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The race takes place at 11.30am on October 27 with those taking part running a lap around the five-kilometre park. Email [email protected] to find out more or to pledge sponsorship.

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