A singer from Kensal Green will be running in a charity 10K run on Saturday in memory of her mother and best friend who both died of cancer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuL_CcEN4-M&feature=youtu.be

Marianna Zappi is participating in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life at Hyde Park in memory Rosarita who died of pancreatic cancer in December 2012 aged 69 and Lorena Scaccia who succumbed to breast cancer in 2007 aged 39.

The 33-year-old said: “I took part in Blackheath Race for Life in 2013 and it was such a moving day. I felt so proud of myself as I knew I was doing something positive to remember two wonderful women. It was so overwhelming to be at the start line and see all these women come together. There’s such a sense of unity.

“This year I wanted to push my limits and take on a 10k in the really supportive environment you get at Race for Life.

“Ultimately I’d love to do a marathon so this is a good step on my way.”

Ms Zappi moved to London from Italy following the death of her best friend who was also her vocal coach.

“As a kid she was the person who believed in me the most,” she said.

“I looked after her throughout her three year battle with cancer and when she died it hit me really hard.

“I think I moved to London to try and run away from it all.”

In May 2012 Ms Zappi, who works as a fundraiser for the Canal and River Trust in Paddington, was given the devastating news that her mother had cancer.

She said: “When I was told she wasn’t going to recover I think I handled it better than I had done before.

“Taking part in Race for Life is really important for me because it will give me time to think of mum and Lorena and feel that I am doing something to make a different to other people who are going through the same thing. Running for me is really therapeutic; it empowers me and feels so liberating. Running on behalf of those who cannot do it for themselves is the best feeling in the world.”

To sponsor Ms Zappi visit justgiving.com/mariannazappi.