FUNDRAISERS from Cancer Research UK will be putting on their ‘war paint’ and calling on Wiltshire’s women to join the fight against cancer by signing up for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life in Swindon.

On Friday campaigners officially launch this year’s Race For Life, and are calling on mums, daughters, grans, friends and colleagues to unite and form a ‘pink army’ in the 5km and 10km events at Lydiard Park this summer.

As well as the events on May 30 and May 31 there will be a Pretty Muddy obstacle course race on September 5.

And to get the message across, a team of volunteers and events managers will be taking Race for Life’s ‘battle HQ’ on tour to the Brunel shopping centre on Friday from 10am.

Michelle Leighton, area event manager for Wiltshire, said: “We’re bringing our battle HQ to the Brunel shopping centre to give women of all ages a chance to experience the power and the passion of Race for Life and to find out what’s in store at our Swindon events in May and September.

“We hope it will motivate women of all shapes and sizes to sign up as soon as possible.”

Capturing the fun and camaraderie of Race for Life, the HQ will also give shoppers a chance to try the face paint designs and nail art associated with this year’s events. They will also have the chance to try Race for Life tattoos and take a ‘selfie’ in the battle HQ tent to share their ‘fight-face’ photo with family and friends.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring women-only series of runs which raises millions of pounds every year to help beat 200 different types of cancer.

Last year 3,799 women in Swindon pulled on their trainers and put their heart and soul into raising £223,091. This year organisers need more than 3,750 to take part in Race for Life 5k and 10k, and are hoping an additional 4,000 will sign up for Pretty Muddy, taking the fundraising total to a new high.

Michelle said: “Every hour around three people are diagnosed with cancer in the South West. That’s why we are calling on the brave ladies of Swindon to help make this year’s Race for Life our best ever.

“It doesn’t matter how fit or fast you are because Race for Life is not competitive. It’s about an army of women standing shoulder-to-shoulder, ready to take on cancer. With fire in their bellies and trainers at the ready, we know that Swindon’s ladies are up for the challenge.

“Race for Life celebrates everyone who is with us and honours those who have lost their lives to cancer.”

To enter, go to raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.