“We didn’t want her to die in vain”.

Those are the words of Lin Barringer, from Eastleigh who lost her six-year-old daughter Sophie just days before Christmas in 2004, when she lost her fight against cancer.

The Norwood Primary School pupil, was diagnosed with Wilm’s Disease in September 2003 and had to have major surgery to remove cancerous growths from her heart, liver and right kidney.

After Sophie lost her battle with cancer, her parents Lin and Mike Barringer set up the Sophie Barringer Trust Sophie’s Appeal to keep her memory alive and support ill children.

Now they are inviting the Eastleigh community to enjoy a Santa Fun Race which will start and finish at the 3D Health and Fitness in Chandler’s Ford tomorrow.

Lin, 60, a support worker, said: “It’s a chance for everyone in the community to make a difference on ill children.

“Sophie’s wish when she was poorly was to help other children and we didn’t want her to die in vain.

“We want to keep her memory alive whilst making a difference.”

The event will start at 11am and has been organised by 3D Health and Fitness based in Chandlers Ford.

Residents who will attend the event will have the chance to enjoy over 100 runners, dressed in Santa outfits running, jogging or walking around the five kilometre course at Valley Park.

They will also have the chance to enjoy a sale cake and a raffle.

Mickey and Minnie Mouse will be some of the marshals and Anna and Elsa lookalikes from Frozen will be there to keep the children amused while their parents complete the run.

“The support from the community has been overwhelming over the years and it is essential,” added Lin.

“We’ll help other families creating memories which is so important because now for us that’s what we got.”

The money raised will be used to support children at hospitals in Southampton and Winchester.