A FATHER-of-two who lost his parents to cancer is hoping to raise thousands of pounds for charity in their memory.

Steven Farr, of Ambleside Avenue, Rawtenstall, decided to organise the 24-hour relay walk after he was devastated by the loss of both parents last year.

The trainee buildings inspector lost his mother Lynda Farr, 59, to leukaemia in February last year, three months after she was diagnosed with the disease.

And then 10 months later his father Dave Farr, 63, lost his three-and-a-half year fight against prostate cancer.

Mr Farr, who has two daughters Emily, six, and Hannah, four, said: "It was a really difficult time for all of us.

"My dad was diagnosed the same week my youngest daughter was born and what should have been a happy time was destroyed by the news.

"He had radiotherapy, hormone treatment and operations. They did everything they could but his time was up."

Steven is hoping to raise £15,000 with the event. He organised a similar event last year which brought in £11,000.

The 24-hour relay will be made up of 12 teams who will take turns to run, jog or walk around the track at the Marl Pits Sports Complex, Newchurch Road.

He said: "Both my parents benefited from cancer treatment so this is an opportunity to give something back."

Steven said he wanted cancer survivors to get involved with the relay event. He said: "It's a symbolic event. The 24 hour walk will be overnight to show that cancer never sleeps. Cancer survivors will be the first people on the event and 12 people will have candles of hope dedicated to those people who have lost their lives to cancer."

Candles will be placed around the edge of the track at the event which starts at 11pm on July 8.

More information can be obtained from 01706 22 44 85 or relayforliferossendale@yahoo.co.uk.