FORMER employees of Weymouth’s Bitz card shop are getting together in memory of loved ones to raise money for cancer research.

They will all be taking part in the Dorchester Race for Life, at Kingston Maurward College on May 31.

Five of the six women used to work at Weymouth’s Bitz store – which closed down after going into administration earlier this year – but have vowed to go through with the race.

Among them is Jemma Nixon, who worked at the store for more than five years, and Dee Haazen, who worked there for seven.

Jemma, 24, has lost two grandparents and a great grandparent to cancer in recent years and has another relative who is currently in remission.

Jemma, of Nightingale Drive, Weymouth, said: “I’ve got quite a big reason to be doing this.

“We liked the idea of getting together to do it as a group and everyone has been very supportive of us.

“I think Cancer Research is one of those broader charities that touches everyone, because everyone seems to have some experience of cancer in their life.

“I also think, at the store, we were so popular with customers and were always cheerful with them, so people wanted to help us.”

Dee, 45, of Radipole Lane, Weymouth, said the group hoped to raise between £800 and £1,000 for cancer research.

She said that a friend and family member had been affected by cancer.

Dee added: “Some of us are more athletic than the others but we’re all doing this because of the fun factor there is to it – as well as to help a very good cause.”

Dee particularly wished to thank staff and customers at the Black Dog pub, near the former Bitz store, for their contribution of around £100.

The six-strong group from Bitz includes Dee and Jemma, Tracy Steele, Debby Read, Linda Stocker and her daughter Vicki.