A summer of Race for Life events in Northampton was officially launched with a signing-up event yesterday.
Fundraisers from Cancer Research UK donned their ‘war paint’ at Weston Favell Shopping Centre to encourage women of all ages to join this year’s “pink army” in its fight against cancer.
The 5k and 10k races will both take place at Abington Park on Sunday, June 7.
Charity members at the pop-up “Battle HQ” offered shoppers the chance to try out this year’s face paint, nail art and tattoo designs, as well as take a selfie of teir “fight faces” with family and friends.
Michelle Leighton, Cancer Research UK area event manager for Northamptonshire, said: “We want to give women of all ages a chance to experience the power and the passion of Race for Life and to find out what’s in store at our Northampton event in June.
“We hope it will motivate women of all shapes and sizes to sign up as soon as possible.
The atmosphere is electric, our participants are so inspiring and we’re calling on the women of Northamptonshire to help make 2015 our best year yet
Michelle Leighton, Cancer Research UK area event manager for Northamptonshire
Last year, 4,831 women in Northampton took part in the event, raising £271,083 for life-saving research.
This year organisers need 5,000 women and girls to join in to meet an even higher target of £275,000.
Money raised through Race for Life, which is partnered with Tesco, 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 Northamptonshire suffering with over 200 different types of cancer.
Michelle added: “Race for Life celebrates everyone who is with us and honours those who have lost their lives to cancer. The atmosphere is electric, our participants are so inspiring and we’re calling on the women of Northamptonshire to help make 2015 our best year yet.”
To enter Race for Life, visit: www.raceforlife.org or call: 0300 123 0770.