SWINDON women are being urged to join forces and show cancer who’s boss by signing up to Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life 2014, which is now open for entries.

Last year, 3,648 women took part in Race for Life in Swindon and raised an impressive £225,000.

This year, organisers need 3,850 women and girls to stride out to help raise £230,000.

Every hour, more than three people are diagnosed with cancer in the South West, and that is why Cancer Research UK is calling on women of all ages, shapes and sizes in the town, to defy thE disease by entering the Race for Life 5 and 10k events at Lydiard Park on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1. Event organisers are issuing the rallying cry ‘cancer, we’re coming to get you’ and urging women to sign up as soon as possible.

Simon Burley, Cancer Research UK’s south west events manager, said: “We’re calling on Swindon’s mighty-mums, gutsy-grans, feisty friends and go-getting girls to join our formidable army and take on cancer at this year’s Race for Life.

“We know how committed Swindon women can be when they really make up their minds to do something. We want to harness that power to stop cancer in its tracks by raising money for life-saving research.

“Race for Life is non-competitive. It’s not about being fit or fast. Most women are able to walk 5k in an hour while chatting and having fun. Or they can choose to jog, run or even dance around the course if they prefer.”

Everyone who takes part in Race for Life, from the participants themselves to the millions of supporters who sponsor and encourage them, becomes part of a powerful collective force rising up to beat cancer sooner. Money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists to advance research which is helping to save the lives of men, women and children across the South West.

Cancer Research UK receives no Government funding for its work but with help from the people of Swindon, the charity intends to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

Simon said: “Race for Life is an amazing way to celebrate life but also remember those who have been lost to the disease. There are over 200 cancers and we won’t give up until we find cures for them all.”

To enter Race for Life visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050.