THE memory of a brave Redditch mum who quit chemotherapy to save the life of her baby boy is being honoured with a special dedication from her family at Redditch’s Race for Life.  

Kalisha Forrest, aged 17, was inspired to complete the Cancer Research UK event in Arrow Valley Park on Sunday, June 12 by her mother Cheryl Jalloh who died of breast cancer in March 2006, just three weeks after giving birth to her brother Kaeman.

She has teamed up with her nan, Ann Bartley Carter and her auntie Jenna, to rally more than 20 friends and family members to join them in the women-only race.

The 5km event will be dedicated to Mrs Jalloh, marking the decade anniversary of her passing.

Kalisha, who is studying A-levels at Bournville College, her brother Kaeman, aged 10 and Cheryl’s little sister Jenna, now 23 will be helping to start the event with a touching speech about Mrs Jalloh.

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Kalisha with brother Kaeman.

"Mum was my best friend," Kalisha said.

"She was so strong and she always managed to put a smile on her face throughout everything that happened. Growing up, she’s been my inspiration. I’m really proud to be starting Race for Life in her honour."

"Taking part in Race for Life meant the world to mum. Knowing that so many people were joining forces to try and beat the disease gave her a lot of strength. That’s why Nan, Jenna and I want to encourage as many people as possible to join in. Research has come a long way since mum died but we want to help more families to stay together."

Kalisha's nan Ann added: "We’re so lucky that the family is still together and we’re really looking forward to celebrating Cheryl’s legacy."

Previously, Kalisha proudly stood by her mum as she gave an emotional speech to hundreds of women at Bromsgrove Race for Life in 2005.

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Kalisha with brother Kaeman and Cheryl’s little sister Jenna.

Speaking at the event, Mrs Jalloh said:"Life can be snatched away in a second for me."

"But I’ve been lucky, I’ve been given the opportunity to make each moment with my daughter that little bit more special."

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TRAGIC: Kalisha with mum Cheryl.

Once called 'the bravest mum in the Midlands' Mrs Jalloh was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 just three weeks after her dream wedding to husband Jack.

After battling depression, Mrs Jalloh, who was just 25 when she was first diagnosed, insisted on learning to belly dance, going on a dream holiday to Egypt and taking part in Race for Life with her family.

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TRAGIC: Cheryl died just three weeks after her wedding to husband Jack.