An Oldham grandmother is preparing for her 25th consecutive Great Manchester Run, but this year the event carries a deeply personal meaning as her daughter undergoes treatment for stage four breast cancer.

Barbara, who turns 72 in June, has completed every Great Manchester Run since the event began more than two decades ago. What started as a challenge with a friend has become a long-standing family tradition.

This year, Barbara will be joined by her grandson Tom, 16, granddaughters Beth, 20, and Danielle, 30, along with several other family members. The former Manchester City matchday steward said she never expected the annual event to become so personal.

"I've done every single Great Manchester Run since it started. It's a habit now. I always think I'll just do it again. But this year, I'm doing it for my daughter," she said.

Speaking about her daughter Dawn's diagnosis, Barbara described it as "very, very traumatic." The news had a profound impact on the family.

"I was out shopping and missed four calls from Dawn. When I finally spoke to her, my knees just buckled. I don't remember much after that, I even left my bank card in the card machine. But I'm in awe of her. It's incurable, but she's a fighter and we are all so proud of her," she said.

Barbara said running together as a family gives them strength during this difficult time. "My grandchildren say I'll be too slow. There's going to be over 10 of us running together this year, and when we all get to the end together, it will be just the most wonderful feeling."

The care Dawn has received at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust has given the family hope. Barbara praised the staff and their research. "Everybody at The Christie, from top to bottom, is amazing. Nothing is ever too much bother for them. The research they're doing is phenomenal. Dawn is on an experimental drug that's working, and we are so grateful that things like this exist."

Alicia Gaffey, mass participation events officer at The Christie Charity, said Barbara's story reflected the spirit of the Great Manchester Run. "Barbara's story is incredibly moving and really captures what events like the Great Manchester Run are all about. People come together not just to take part, but to support loved ones and make a difference for others going through cancer."

Barbara said her daughter's determination continues to inspire the family. "Dawn says, 'I won't live with cancer, cancer will live with me.' Her strength keeps me going. I truly believe that one day we will find a cure."

She also recalled one memorable race moment. "One year I nearly got beaten by 12 men dressed as a caterpillar. I thought, I'm not being beaten by a caterpillar, so that kept me going."

Looking back on more than two decades of taking part, Barbara said each medal now carries deeper meaning. "I lay them all out on my bed and think, wow, have I really done this. Of course, I'm sad because of my daughter, but I'm so proud because we're all doing something for someone we love."

The Christie Charity, which supports enhanced services, research, education and patient support at the hospital beyond NHS funding, continues to benefit from such community efforts.