IT'S THAT time of year again when women from across Southampton pull on their running shoes to raise money for a cause that has become one of the most important in the city.

Southampton Common will be the venue on Sunday for Race for Life - the 5km challenge that sees 10,000 mums, daughters and grandmothers get together to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for Cancer Research UK.

Some are survivors of cancer, others are celebrating the lives of those lost to the disease. It is an emotional event, but ultimately a positive one that brings so much good to the city.

On the backs of runners and walkers are the photos of their loved ones and the names of those whose memory makes them want to raise funds for a cause close to their hearts.

Since it began in the city 11 years ago, more than £2m has been raised to help scientists such as those based in the Somers Building at Southampton General Hospital to find a cure.

A sea of thousands of women running down the Avenue has become an enduring image of the event and one that is used to promote Race for Life nationally.

Organiser Hannah Davies explained that the Southampton gathering is one of the largest single events in the country.

"We really do appreciate each and every penny raised in Southampton - one of our most established races.

"The generosity of Southampton's women and their families, colleagues and friends is outstanding. Without the money you raise, we really couldn't fund the work of our doctors, scientists and nurses. They have set us this target of £800,000 in order to allow them to do everything they want to be able to do for all those families touched by cancer. "I want to urge every woman to get your money in as soon as you can after the race, so that we can raise the £800,000 in Southampton and support work such as that of Anne Croudass and her fantastic nurses across the UK.

"It's really easy to return your money - just see www.raceforlife.org for details."

Nurse Anne Croudas, pictured in our logo, will wear the no 1 shirt.

Anne has been chosen by the Daily Echo to front its Do it for Anne campaign to raise awareness of how the money raised in Southampton is spent.

Each year just under half the women who take part in the Race for Life fail to send any sponsorship money so the paper is putting its efforts into encouraging women to ensure they make a donation.

Daily Echo lifestyle editor Kate Thompson explained: "Anne and her nurses are doing a wonderful job linking between the life-saving research and cancer patients. It costs £800,000 a year to fund Anne and her team - the amount organisers hope will be raised here.

"Let's make sure that everyone who takes part this year sends in a donation so Anne and her team can continue their crucial work."