Never too soon to join the team

Flashback to last year’s event at Alexandra Park

It may be six months away but Oldham women are already being urged to take part in the annual Race for Life and become part of the biggest female-only team in the UK.

Cancer Research UK is asking them to recruit their friends, family and colleagues now that entry to the Oldham event is officially open.

All the money raised goes to fund Cancer Research UK’s work and all women are welcome, on their own or as part of a group.

This year’s Race for Life is on Sunday, July 18 at Alexandra Park. Last year 2,500 local women walked, jogged or ran the three mile, five kilometre event and raised £128,574.

Race for Life started in 1994 when many people diagnosed with cancer did not survive.

But over the last 16 years, money generated by Race for Life has supported Cancer Research UK’s work and now the overall death rate for the disease has dropped by 15 per cent.

Chris Walters, Cancer Research UK’s North West Events Manager, said: “This year’s Race for Life is going to be full of amazing moments for everyone.

“Women of all ages, abilities, shapes and sizes take part in Race for Life. They motivate and inspire each other to complete the course.

“Many simply walk round, chatting and having fun but they all share the wonderful atmosphere at the event.” Cancer Research funds world-class research and clinical trials throughout the North-West.”

In Oldham, people with a type of leukaemia can take part in a study to find the most effective treatment for the disease. The trial will test several new drugs in combination with the usual chemotherapy. Clinical trials are vital to find new and better ways to treat cancer.

Oldham Racers will be part of a total of 700,000 women taking part in over 230 events across the UK between May and July to raise a total of £60 million.

Women in Oldham can enter Race for Life at www.raceforlife.org  or by calling 0871-641 1111.