A SEVEN-year-old cancer survivor from Leigh will be the guest of honour for this year's Race for Life at Pennington Flash Country Park.

Luke Holt was diagnosed with Wilm’s tumour, a type of kidney cancer, at the age of two following tests on a lump on the left hand side of his body.

The Leigh St John’s CE Primary School pupil had to have one of his kidneys removed after undergoing intensive chemotherapy and is now celebrating five years of being cancer-free.

He wants to help others escape the clutches of cancer and is encouraging woman of all ages and fitness levels to join him and his 44-year-old mum Deborah in running Cancer Research UK’s 5k event on Sunday, June 4.

Despite Race for Life being a women-only series of 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and marathon events which raise millions of pounds to find new ways to tackle cancer, Luke took part last year.

Community staff nurse Deborah, who has twice run the Race for Life 5k in tribute to Luke’s courage, said: "It was a terrible shock being told he had cancer when he was so young.

“But the doctors reassured us immediately that they were confident of treating him successfully.

“The day of Luke’s surgery was the longest of my life and one I will never forget.

“I would urge all women in Leigh to sign up for Race for Life.

“It is a magical day with an amazing atmosphere for such an important cause.”

Luke has had regular check-ups since being given the all-clear from cancer as a toddler.

Deborah is hoping he will only need annual appointments following his next check-up in September.

Cancer Research UK’s north west spokeswoman Jane Bullock said: “Sadly most of us know someone whose life has been touched by cancer.

"By taking part in Race for Life women in Leigh could help more men, women and children survive the disease.

“Life-saving research is being funded right now thanks to the women of Leigh running, jogging or walking at Race for Life.

“Our participants play a crucial role in helping to turn discoveries made in the lab into better treatments for patients in the north west and across the UK and we rely on their incredible commitment to the cause.

“Race for Life is not about being the fittest, fastest or first over the finish line.

"We need women of all ages and abilities to sign up. It is the taking part that counts, whatever women raise.

"Just £10 could make a difference in the fight against cancer.”

For more information about the event visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.

To find out more about Luke's story and make a donation to Cancer Research UK go online at bit.ly/2qkAV7q.