A 91-YEAR-OLD who refuses to let age slow her down is taking on an all-women run to fund research into cancer.

Dot Backsell, a resident at Blakeney House in Stevenage, will be showing the youngsters a clean pair of heels at the Race For Life at Fairlands Valley Park in aid of Cancer Research on July 24.

The great-grandmother, who will be 92 by the time of the race, said: “My daughter had cancer 10 years ago and I lost her, and I’ve had it twice. So I’m running for her and all the other people who suffer from it.”

Asked how she keeps fit, Dot said: “It’s just one of those things. I go for walks and things. I will do it while I can. I took part three years ago. I was up near the front last time.”

Melanie Lawrence, manager of the sheltered housing scheme where Dot has lived since 2001, will be joining her on the 5k race. She said it was a remarkable achievement for a lady of her age.

“I think it is quite amazing to even think about it at her age. We might have a little jog. I said towards the end we’ll sprint the finish!”

Dot will have plenty of support on the day from her family, who live in Stevenage, and has already raised �100 for the charity.

To give her your support go to www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/melanielawrence2609