FUNDRAISERS are aiming to turn Barrow Park red this weekend to remember Jake Ellis, a little boy who died 10 years ago.

Team Jake and organisers from Barrow Parkrun have joined forces to remember Jake, who was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare cancer of soft tissue and muscles that connect to bones.

Fewer than 60 children are diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma in the UK each year.

Jake sadly lost his battle in 2008, aged five.

Since then, parents Jo-Ann and Nick, along with family and friends, have been non-stop fundraising in memory of their little boy, raising a staggering £190,000.

This weekend, people are urged to show their support for Jake by wearing red at the parkrun - his favourite colour.

Jake's mum Jo-Ann said her son loved everything red.

She said: "Jake was brought up supporting Liverpool Football Club and he went to a couple of games. His favourite car was a red Mini Cooper, too.

“Anything to do with red it was Jake’s favourite.

“That is why we want people to wear red on Saturday.”

Close friends of the Ellis family came up with the idea to team up with Barrow Parkrun to honour Jake.

Jo-Ann said: “Some friends of ours have been doing the parkrun for a while and it was their idea to join up with the organisers.

“We have all been raising funds for Team Jake for years and they wanted to remember him by doing the parkrun this Saturday.

“It would mean everything to me if we can raise money for the charity, I am very touched by it all.”

Hundreds of enthusiastic runners, joggers and walkers turn up to Barrow every Saturday morning for the popular event.

Jo-Ann said the response to the idea of raising money at the park has been phenomenal.

She added: “I was not expecting the level of response I have received on Facebook.

“I have had a lot of messages support and people asking about the event and what time it starts. I think there will be a big turnout on Saturday to remember Jake and it will be amazing.”

The charity are close to reaching the £200,000 milestone.

They have undertaken a huge number of fundraising events, including the annual Jake Ellis Charity Ball, London to Paris Cycle Challenge, the Great North Run, and the Keswick to Barrow walk.

Jo-Ann hopes to surpass the tremendous milestone by the end of the year.

She said: “We make around £5,000 to £10,000 at the annual charity ball for Jake.

“There is a few bits going on before the end of the year so we are hoping to reach the £200k mark by the end of 2018.

“We have put a lot of hard work in over the last 10 years so hopefully the money will make a difference to children with cancer.”

Everyone is welcome to the Parkrun and to remember Jake.

The run starts at 9am, with a 8.45am meet at the bandstand.