Call for women to Race for Life in Plymouth

Fundraisers from Cancer Research UK have donned their ‘war paint’ and are calling on Devon women to join the fight against cancer by signing up for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life in Plymouth.

They want mums, daughters, grans, friends and colleagues to unite and form a ‘pink army’ at Race for Life 5k at Plymouth Hoe on Sunday, June 21, and the brand new Pretty Muddy event at Central Park on Sunday 2 August.

And to get the message across, a team of volunteers and event managers took Race for Life’s ‘Battle HQ’ on tour to Plymouth City Centre last Friday.

Capturing the fun and camaraderie of Race for Life, Battle HQ gave shoppers a chance to try the bold face paint designs and funky nail art associated with this year’s events.

They also had 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.

Ruth Chamings, Area Event Manager for Devon, said: “We’re bringing our Battle HQ to Plymouth City 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 Plymouth event in June. We hope it will motivate women of all shapes and sizes to sign up as soon as possible.”

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring women-only series of 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Marathon events which raises millions of pounds every year to help beat 200 different types of cancer.

Last year, 4023 women in Plymouth pulled on their trainers and put their heart and soul into raising £163,662 for life-saving research. This year, organisers need 6100 women and girls to stride out at the two events to help raise £249,000 to help save more lives.

Ruth continued: “Every hour, more than three people are diagnosed with cancer in the South West*. That’s why we are calling on the brave ladies of Plymouth 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 Devon’s ladies are up for the challenge.”

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 survival rates have doubled since the 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress. But more funds and more supporters are needed to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

Ruth added: “Race for Life celebrates everyone who is with us and honours those who have lost their lives to cancer.  The atmosphere is electric, our participants are so inspiring and we’re calling on the women of Plymouth to help make 2015 our best year yet.”

To enter Race for Life today go to raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.