A DORSET businessman will have his dying wish honoured when his own pink army takes part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life at Poole this weekend.

Peter Breakingbury, who was the inspiration behind Pete’s Angels, died at his home on June 1 following a long battle with bowel cancer.

The 58-year-old Wareham man was to have been a special guest at the launch of this year’s Poole 5k. Instead his team - which includes his widow, Nicola, and several medical staff who treated him - will honour Peter’s wish by continuing to raise money in his memory.

Peter was told he was terminally ill after being diagnosed with bowel cancer which had spread to his liver two years ago. But he survived longer than expected with the help of new treatments and a determination to live.

Nicola, 50, a staff nurse at Poole Hospital, said: “We were told very recently Peter only had weeks to live and the first thing he said was that he didn’t think he would be able to start the Race for Life”.

But Nicola promised to take part whatever happened and she plans to wear his treasured Welsh dragon costume.

She said: “It will be very emotional but his pink ladies will be there as well and that is what he wanted”.

Peter and Nicola recently celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary by renewing their vows in front of family and friends.

Although Peter was take ill during the service and paramedics were called to the church, he insisted on carrying on and attended an evening reception which raised more than £500 for research.

He was rushed to hospital the following day and doctors said he lost so much blood he was lucky to be alive.

Nicola added: “We were both so grateful for research which allowed Peter and I to spend more precious time together. I very much hope other women will join us at Race for Life.”

The 5k at Poole takes place on Sunday, June 21. There are still places available and entries close at midnight on Thursday.

To enter go to raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770. To support Pete’s Angels go to justgiving.com/nicolabreakingbury6/