“IF Karen can do it, so can I”.

That is the inspiration which will drive Kevin Millard through the Colchester Hospitals Charity Santa Fun Run.

Kevin's wife Karen died in Colchester General Hospital in July as a result of complications arising from secondary breast cancer. She was 48.

Kevin said: “Essex County Hospital and Colchester General Hospital both helped Karen and I wanted to give something back.”

He is encouraging as many people as possible to take part in the 5k fancy dress Santa run in Colchester’s Castle Park on December 6 to raise money for the Cancer Centre Campaign.

Karen, who had her own beauty salon business, raised money for Cancer Research in 2007 by running a 5km event.

She had been given the all-clear following surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy in Colchester after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002.

But Karen's breast cancer returned and she underwent surgery and radiotherapy in 2009 and from 2011 had treatment after being diagnosed with secondary breast cancer.

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This included surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy in Colchester, and she was also treated for two brain tumours at Queen’s Hospital, Romford, and St Bart’s Hospital in London.

Kevin, 57, an engineer of Pennypot Corner, near Greenstead Green, said: "In all the years she was treated in Colchester, the staff never gave up on Karen and I think this helped her to keep going. She never lost her smile.

“In 2007, she ran five kms and I thought: ‘If Karen can do it, then so can I.’ “The cancer centre is exactly what Karen would have wanted because it will help people affected by cancer, so I can think of no better reason to run in her memory.”

All the money raised from the event will be donated to the Cancer Centre Campaign, which is being supported by the Gazette, to raise £4.5 million to create an integrated cancer centre at Colchester General Hospital.

So far, more than £1million has been donated.

Karen left two children, Jamie, 27, and Michala, 25, and a grandson, James, aged two.

Caroline Bates, CoHoC fundraising manager, said: “It is both courageous and generous of Kevin to sign up for this year’s Santa Fun Run at a time when his wife’s death must still be raw.

“There is a serious reason behind the run but the day itself is essentially a fun occasion and we want as many people as possible to take part and raise funds for the Cancer Centre Campaign.”

About 600 people took part in last year’s event and raised about £15,000 for the appeal.

The Santa Fun Run, which has a 3km or 5km course, is open to children and adults of all ages and abilities.

For full details, go to www.cohoc.org.uk or call Julie Arthur, CoHoC Fundraising Officer, on 01206 745303.

Anyone wanting to sponsor Kevin Millard can donate online at www.justgiving.com/Kevin-Millard-remember-Karen. To sponsor him by text, text DVLP82 followed by the amount, eg £10.