WATCH OUT for May Mancini – she is a woman on a mission. With just over a week to go until the Off The Beatson Track 10k turns the city shades of sunshine yellow, May has rallied the biggest team ever to take part.

She has more than 160 people signed up already for the cancer charity’s event –but she won’t stop until she hits the magic mark of 200.

“My daughter Francesca got 134 people to do it last year, which was the record for the biggest team,” smiles May, who is from Bishopbriggs.

“This year, I’m going to beat it and hopefully go all the way to 200.”

Francesca, who became known as the ‘Princess of The Beatson’ because of her remarkable efforts in raising funds for and awareness of the charity, died in September, just a few months before her 21st birthday.

Despite being ill with a chest infection and shingles just a few weeks before the 10k, she still took part.

Glasgow Times:

“Francesca did the 10k when she was very unwell – actually, at the time, we had not realised just how ill she was,” recalls May.

The biomedical science student had made a full recovery after receiving treatment for stage four Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2015, but a new scan revealed the cancer had spread to her lungs and liver.

Despite her pain, Francesca completed the Off the Beatson Track event to the cheers of her friends and family. She died just a few days later.

May, who accepted a posthumous Editor’s Award for Francesca at the 2016 Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year event, explains: “She was amazing – walked over the line with her hands in the air, and yet hours before she had been too ill to stand.

“So I was determined to do it again this year for her, and for the Beatson, who cared for her so well. I want to do it in her memory.”

David Welch, chief executive at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “Francesca Mancini was an exceptional young lady.

“She made a hugely positive impact as a Beatson Cancer Charity ambassador, fundraiser and friend. She remained positive, courageous and determined throughout her cancer journey and her determination to help raise the profile of Beatson Cancer Charity has made a real and lasting difference to thousands of people across Scotland and further afield.”

He added: “Francesca bravely shared her story in many charity films and appeals and spoke publicly on behalf of the charity to bring to the attention of everyone, especially young people, the need to keep fighting and not let cancer win.

“Her positive, heartfelt and loving personality touched everyone she met –there isn’t anyone who didn’t know her affectionately as ‘Princess of The Beatson’.”

As a student of Biomedical Science Francesca took a keen interest in learning about her cancer, her treatment and research - always thinking ahead and of others.

Mr Welch added: “During her time at The Beatson, Francesca often spoke of a need for more education and awareness in order to support others in the same situation and for future generations - something the charity will work hard to support in her memory.

“Francesca will continue to inspire many others for years to come.”

May, husband Osvaldo and Francesca’s young sister Chiara – who has been doing some fundraising of her own with pop-up sweet shops for friends, family and neighbours – will all be supporting the event, which takes place on August 27. The six-and-a-half mile walk will start and finish at Riverside Museum and take in some of the iconic sights of Glasgow’s West End.

Jen Lindsay, Community Fundraiser at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “More than 5000 people have participated in this event and last year our fantastic supporters raised £135,797 to help support Beatson patients and their families – this year we’re hoping it will be even bigger and brighter than ever before.

“The event is suitable for all ages and abilities, so bring along your families, friends and even your dogs to make it a big Beatson day to remember.”

All funds raised from the event will help the charity provide a comprehensive range of patient and family support services including patient wellbeing and complementary therapy services.

Money will also go towards providing specialist staff posts including nursing, radiography, physics and research and will fund medical equipment, service developments, research projects and educational initiatives to support the 8000 new patients who attend The Beatson and its satellite locations each year.

Leading the way on the day will be the bright and bold Francesca’s Lymphoma Warriors.

Morag Cunningham, head of fundraising, said: “Francesca was a ray of sunshine. She went above and beyond in her role as an ambassador, fundraiser and friend of Beatson Cancer Charity – her legacy will never be forgotten.

“At last year’s Off The Beatson Track event, Francesca signed up an incredible number of friends and family and walked the entire six-and-a-half miles.

“Her dedicated team members dressed in yellow and came out in force to support their much-loved Francesca. It’s with great pleasure that we welcome back Francesca’s family and friends for the event this year. From everyone at Beatson Cancer Charity, we wish you all the best of luck and we will be there to cheer you on.”

For May, it will be a day full of mixed emotions.

“We’re looking forward to it, because we want to raise as much money as possible to help people with cancer beat this disease,” she says.

“It will be hard, though, without Francesca there.”

She adds: “But we are determined to do this for her, to carry on her good work and to make her proud.”

l If you’re interested in taking part in Off The Beatson Track on August 27, simply visit www.beatsoncancercharity.org, call 0141 212 0505 or email events@beatsoncancercharity.org to sign up.