MORE than 6,000 women from across Hampshire will pull on their trainers this weekend with one aim in mind – kicking cancer where it hurts.

Ladies of all ages, shapes and sizes will turn Southampton Common into a sea of pink as a series of Race for Life events take place in the city.

They will play a pivotal role in the biggest weekend of the year – with an estimated 60,000 women taking part in 32 events across England.

Last year more than £500,000 was raised from the events in Southampton which 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 city and the UK.

Currently one in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives, but the good news is more people are surviving the disease now than ever before – survival rates have doubled since the early 1970s.

Today will see around 3,000 women get down and dirty in the name of raising awareness of the need for vital research into cancer as they compete in Pretty Muddy – a 5k run interspersed with obstacles – and a lot of mud – as it returns for a second year.

Groups will set off in waves to take on the action packed course, raising essential funds that will help develop new drugs and kinder treatments for patients.

On Sunday road closures will be put in place along a stretch of The Avenue in preparation for the mass Race for Life events taking place until early afternoon.

Ladies taking part in the 10k event will cross the start line at 9am while thousands of women who have signed up to tackle the traditional 5k race are being urged to gather in front of the stage for entertainment and a warm up before the race gets underway at 11.30am.

As reported by the Daily Echo yesterday, two-year-old Alfie Butler who has battled cancer since being diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumour at just eight months old, will officially start the race with the help of his mum, Charlotte.

The family, from Romsey, are VIP guests at the event and 36-year-old Charlotte will speak on stage to share her story in the hope of inspiring thousands to complete the course.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco for the past 15 years, raises millions of pounds every year to help beat 200 different types of cancer.

Sam Beare, Cancer Research UK’s event manager in Southampton, said: “We are looking forward to another incredible weekend on Southampton Common. There is a great history of amazing support from the local community and this year will be no exception.

“We would like to thank everyone who responded to our rallying call for volunteers – we have been overwhelmed with the response and know, with their support, we are in for a special weekend.”