A mum and son duo set to take part in a Race for Life event on June 3 have described how training has brought them “closer together”.

Denise Birch, 40, saw the three-kilometre run event for Cancer Research advertised on Facebook in January and asked her son, Brian, 22, to join her.

The pair, who say they have recently struggled with self-esteem and mental health, immediately began training at the gym.

They have been attending “religiously” at least twice a week ever since.

Ely Standard: The pair completed an assault course in Wisbech earlier this month to prepare them for the Race for Life event. The pair completed an assault course in Wisbech earlier this month to prepare them for the Race for Life event. (Image: Denise Birch)

Denise said: “For 19 months, I’ve been going through some tough personal issues and needed to keep myself busy.

“We signed up and began to hit the gym. Brian doesn’t like cardio and prefers weights whereas I love running, it gives me a sense of freedom and head space.

Brian, who hopes to raise £300 for the charity, added: “I thought signing up would be a good way to get back into fitness. 

"At first, I couldn’t breathe when walking up the stairs so I knew I had to change, and after months of training I’ve been able to conquer a five-kilometre course.

“I’m really excited to be making a difference and I can’t think of a better partner than my mum.”

Ely Standard: Denise said: “For 19 months, I’ve been going through some tough personal issues and needed to keep myself busy. “We signed up and began to hit the gym. Brian doesn’t like cardio and prefers weights whereas I love running, it gives me a sense of freedom and head space.Denise said: “For 19 months, I’ve been going through some tough personal issues and needed to keep myself busy. “We signed up and began to hit the gym. Brian doesn’t like cardio and prefers weights whereas I love running, it gives me a sense of freedom and head space. (Image: Denise Birch)

Earlier this month, the pair took part in a playground assault course with 30 obstacles in Waterbeach to gauge the difficulty of their upcoming Race for Life event.

Denise and Brian recall being “hooked” and the pair began searching for other events they could take part in before stumbling across the mud run in Bury St Edmunds.

Denise said: “We’re so excited to be able to take part.

“Encouraging one another and spending time together getting fit with a focus in mind has really bought us closer together.

“I’m so proud of my son and the amazing progress he has made, tackling things he finds difficult head on and achieving his goal and his dedication.”

You can sponsor the pair by visiting their fundraising page.