A KNOCKOUT event to raise money for the fight against bowel cancer has been organised by a St Albans mum.

Since losing her dad to the devastating disease, 37-year-old mum-of-three Phillipa Andrews has been raising as much money as possible for the charity Beating Bowel Cancer by running marathons and organising events.

The Abbey primary school secretary’s latest initiative is the Knockout Bowel Cancer event on Sunday, May 22, at St Albans Rugby Club in Oaklands Lane, Smallford, which will involve a host of fun games and plenty of food and drink on offer.

She is looking for groups of 10 adults to enter at a cost of �300 per team – which can come from local businesses, sports clubs, associations or just groups of friends.

Teams can win extra points for dressing in silly outfits of any sort, but – as the event follows hot on the heels of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s big day, the best royal outfits could be up for a special prize.

There will also be a children’s event in which 10 teams of up to 10 children under 12 years can enter for �50.

Also competing in the event will be Vince Franklin, the local actor and personality who is best known for his role as Stewart Pearson in TV show The Thick of It and his part as life coach Rowan in The Office. He has featured in films like Confetti, The Illusionist and The Bourne Identity and also starred in BBC Four mockumentary series Twenty Twelve.

Phillipa said: “When dad was diagnosed with cancer it turned my world upside down.

“Dad and I were very close and I never made big decisions without talking them over with him.

“We spoke every day on the phone, he had always watched me play rugby and we watched many international matches together supporting England. He was a huge part of my life.

“But all of a sudden I knew I would have a limited time with him.

“There were so many emotions running through me: anger, pain detestation, but most of all uselessness. Had dad spotted the signs of his cancer earlier he would have had more than a measly five months so I decided to do something to try to raise awareness of the disease.”

Of the forthcoming event, she added: “This event will be a really fun day for all the family. We want as many teams to enter as possible, but even if you’re not entering, come and support the teams and enjoy the day.

“As well as It’s a Knockout, there will be face-painting, bouncy castles, and loads more for families to enjoy.

“We’ve given it a Royal theme, in honour of the Royal Wedding this year, but any silly outfits are allowed and the aim is just to have fun.”

The fun and games will start at 11am with the adults event starting at 11.30am and the children’s event at 1.30pm.

The day, which will also feature hot dog stalls as well as a full bar and plenty of tea and cakes, will end at about 4pm.

For more information visit www.knockoutbowelcancer.co.uk or search for Beating Bowel Cancer Knockout Challenge in Facebook.