AS MOTHER’S day approaches, Cancer Research UK is calling on all Hampshire mums and daughters to unite and enter Race for Life together. Signing up to Race for Life with their mums is a unique opportunity for women to show how much they care.

Buying a place in one of the events, which take place in Winchester on Sunday, June 9 and in Southampton on Sunday, July 14 is a great excuse for mothers and daughters to spend quality time together as they walk, jog, run or even dance their way around the 5k or (in Southampton) 10k route. And there’s the added benefit of supporting Cancer Research UK’s vital work which is helping to save the lives of men, women and children diagnosed with cancer throughout the South East.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring women-only series of events which raises millions of pounds every year to help defeat cancer by funding life-saving research.

Rachel Northover, Cancer Research UK’s South East Events Manager, said: “Mother’s Day is the special occasion when we acknowledge that universal truth – it is mums who make the world go round! “We want to encourage women in Hampshire to buy their mums a very special gift this year – a place in Race for Life. And by signing up themselves, they will be able to stand together, side by side, on the start line in a defiant gesture to cancer. “We want to recruit a formidable Mum’s Army, ready to take on cancer and win. We all know how committed mothers can be when they really make up their minds to do something. And we want to harness that power and create a unique force that will stop cancer in its tracks, by raising money for crucial research.”

Every hour, around five people are diagnosed with cancer in the South East*. That’s why women and girls of all ages, shapes and sizes are needed to join together to hit cancer where it hurts at The Garrison Ground and University of Winchester Stadium or at The Common, Southampton.

Last year, 7,745 women took part in Race for Life in Winchester and Southampton and raised a fantastic £454,000. This year, organisers need 8,000 women and girls to stride out to help raise £460,000 for vital research.

Rachel continued: “Women of all shapes, sizes, ages and levels of fitness take part in Race for Life. They come from different backgrounds and walks of life but they are united by their absolute determination to take on cancer and beat it. “Race for Life is non-competitive. So there’s no need to worry about being fit or fast. Most women are able to walk 5k in an hour while chatting and having fun.

“Race for Life is an amazing way to celebrate life but also remember those who have been lost to the disease. Participants may be decked out in pink or fancy dress but what’s inescapable is the power and strength that comes from thousands of women joining together to confront cancer. ”

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

Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, Cancer Research UK spent around £4 million last year, at the Southampton Cancer Research UK Centre, supporting the work of doctors, nurses and scientists who are dedicated to beating cancer by understanding its causes and investigating how best to prevent and treat it.

Rachel concluded: “There are over 200 cancers and we won’t give up until we find cures for them all. It’s fighting talk, and we mean every word we say. Cancer, Hampshire’s mums are coming to get you.”

To enter Race for Life today go to www.raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050.