Preston women are being urged to 'join the girls' to help beat cancer by entering Tesco and Cancer Research UK's Race for Life.
Organisers want local women to recruit their mums, sisters, daughters, aunties, friends and workmates now the Preston event has opened for entries. By registering now, they will have plenty of time to plan and fundraise together before the big day out.
This year, Race for Life in Preston has changed venue from Moor Park to the City Centre. It will take place on Sunday 3rd July. Last year 3698 women from Preston and Leyland took part and raised an incredible £171,808 . In 2011, organisers are encouraging 5000 women to put their best feet forward and raise £294,850
Race for Life is the UK's largest women-only fundraising event series where all the money raised goes to fund Cancer Research UK's life-saving work. Women of all ages, shapes, sizes and abilities join together to walk, jog or run 5k to raise money to help beat cancer. All women are welcome, regardless of whether they are taking part on their own or as part of a group.
Every hour, around four people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West. When Race for Life started in 1994, many people diagnosed with cancer did not survive. Since then, money generated by Race for Life has supported Cancer Research UK's work and now more people are beating the disease than ever before.
Helen Wright, Area Events Manager, Cancer Research UK said: "Race for Life in Preston is a unique celebration of sisterhood and pride. The atmosphere is amazing, with local women from all walks of life coming together to make a positive difference to people affected by cancer. They motivate and inspire each other to complete the course with many simply walking round, chatting and having fun.
"In 2011, we hope more women than ever before will take part. We need our Race for Life regulars, as well as women who took part years ago, to join together with many new faces to help save more lives."
Cancer Research UK supports the work of doctors, nurses and scientists who are dedicated to beating cancer by understanding its causes and investigating how best to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease.
The charity's vital work is behind many important drugs, such as tamoxifen and herceptin, which have saved the lives of thousands of women with breast cancer; temozolomide, which is used worldwide to treat people with the most common type of brain tumour; and carboplatin, one of the most successful cancer drugs ever developed.
Race for Life event organisers are holding a promotional day in front of the Harris Museum on Saturday 26th February from 10.00am to 3.00pm. As well as the opportunity to find out more about Race for Life in the city centre, there will be a chance to meet locally funded scientist, take part in netball shoot out, meet with local shop volunteers and pick up hints and tips on fundraising, fancy dress, and how to spread the word to friends and family.
Women in can enter Cancer Research UK's Race for Life at www.raceforlife.org or by calling 0871 641 1111.