THESE brave sisters are to take centre stage at two Race for Life events almost a year to the day since they lost their mum to cancer.

Leah and Megan Hastings, who live near Christchurch, will speak in front of thousands of participants at the Bournemouth and Poole races to explain the importance of raising funds for research.

The family believe advances through research gave them six more precious years with their mum, Nikki, who died from cancer on June 25 last year, just days after celebrating her 40th birthday.

Echo blogger Nikki, who was a staunch supporter of Race for Life – even once taking part in a wheelchair - had been given only months to live when she was diagnosed with breast cancer that had spread in 2008.

Cancer Research UK supported a vital clinical trial testing a new breast cancer drug which Nikki’s family believe extended her life.

Leah, 10, and eight-year-old Megan plan to tell both Race for Life audiences: “Cancer Research UK’s work was vital for Mum’s clinical trial.

“This is why it is so important to return sponsor money, so they can continue to search for a cure and give people like our Mum more time with their families."

The two will also be running themselves in the Bournemouth race, and hope to complete the 5k in just half an hour.

And to top it off, Megan has been asking friends and teachers at the girls' school, King's Park Academy, to sponsor their fundraising efforts.

Leah said she will don a pink onesie to complete the run, while Megan will wear a pink Cancer Research UK t-shirt.

The girls’ willingness to help others has made their dad, Kevin, and Nikki’s mum Ann Carter, very proud.

Ann said: “Having the opportunity to talk about their mum helps the girls move forward. They are proud of her and want everyone to know what she achieved during her illness."

She added that the family has supported each other to get through the last year.

"Nikki would be so proud of them going up on stage in front of thousands of women paying her this fitting tribute," she said.

“As a family we know that without the work of Cancer Research UK, people like Nikki would not have the extra months or years with their families”.

As she went through treatment Nikki set herself the new challenge of turning her experience into a book to help other patients living with a terminal diagnosis, and her project - A Life Turned Upside Down - will be on sale at both the Bournemouth and Poole races.

It will raise funds for the Lewis-Manning Hospice in Poole.

Elizabeth Frisby, events manager, said: “We are very moved that Leah and Megan want to be special guests at Race for Life this year.

“I hope their brave decision will encourage more women to take part in the 5k or 10k events at Bournemouth Seafront on Sunday, June 14 and Poole on Sunday, June 21."

To enter Race for Life today, visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.