EVERY year, thousands of women dressed in pink swarm through Oxford’s University Parks in aid of a good cause.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life is one of the city’s most popular charity events and more than 5,200 women took part last year.

They raised a total of £265,537 but organisers are looking to collect even more to fund research into cures for more than 200 types of cancer.

People can now sign up to this year’s 5km race, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 12.

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Every week about 12 people in Oxford hear the words ‘you have cancer’ and every week five people in the city die from the disease.

In Oxfordshire about 520 women are diagnosed with breast cancer alone and it kills about 115 women each year in the county.

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The charity’s Oxford event manager Kelly Rumble, pictured above, with volunteer Tony Smith, said: “We’re calling on the brave ladies of Oxford to show their fighting spirit once more and take on cancer at this year’s event.

“We’re urging women of all ages, shapes and sizes to take on Race for Life in Oxford and sign up now.”

She said: “Race for Life is non-competitive. It’s not about being fit or fast.

“Most women are able to walk 5km in an hour while chatting and having fun.

“Or they can choose to jog, run or even dance around the course if they prefer.

“If you’re looking for an opportunity to get active in 2015 and shake off those January blues, there’s no better time to take on Race for Life.

“With fire in their bellies and trainers at the ready, we know that Oxford ladies are up for the challenge.

“Race for Life is to celebrate those who are with us, and also remember those who are not.

“The atmosphere is electric, our participants are so inspiring and we want the women of Oxford to help make 2015 our best year yet.”

  • For more information or to enter this year’s event, go to raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.

 

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