WOMEN are being encouraged to make a stand against cancer by helping Cancer Research UK to raise £115,000 at Leverhulme Park’s Race for Life.

The charity event will be returning to Bolton on Sunday, July 7, and women and girls are wanted to take part in the 5km challenge.

Money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists to advance research to help save the lives of men, women and children across the region.

Last year 2,000 women took part in the event and raised £113,938.

Those taking part can run, walk or dance their way around the course. Laura Taylor, Cancer Research UK’s North West events manager, said: “Come on ladies, please play your part by entering Race for Life in Bolton.

Together, we can hit cancer where it hurts.

“There are more than 200 cancers and we won’t give up until we find cures for them all. It’s fighting talk, and we mean every word we say. Cancer, Bolton is coming to get you.”

Organisers are hoping to top last year’s total by raising £115,000.

About four people are diagnosed with cancer in the region each minute.

Cancer Research UK receives no Government funding for its research.

Ms Taylor said Race for Life, which is hosted in partnership with Tesco, is not about being fit or fast.

She added: “Race for Life is an amazing way to celebrate life but also remember those who have been lost to the disease. Participants may be decked out in pink or fancy dress but what’s inescapable is the power and strength that comes from thousands of women joining together to confront cancer.

“We are very grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life in Bolton last year and in the past.

But the battle against cancer never stops and for this reason we need everyone to return to the fight in 2013 and bring new recruits with them.”

To enter Bolton Race for Life go to raceforlife.

org or call 0845 600 6050.