THOUSANDS of women and girls will be fill Leverhulme Park on Sunday with one goal - to raise as much as possible for Cancer Research UK.

This year's Race For Life has seen almost 4,000 women sign up to run the 5km event, which will take place in two stages, one in the morning and the second in the afternoon.

Many have had personal experience of cancer, after suffering from it themselves, or watching a loved one battle the disease.

Last year's event raised a whopping £222,000 and on Sunday, organisers are hoping to beat that total by collecting £260,000 to fund research into the killer disease.

Bolton's race organiser Imogen Johnson said: "It was a great event last year and we raised a lot of money, but we're hoping to meet The Race For Life is always an emotional event, with women wearing the names of those who have inspired them to take part on their backs, but there is always fun for all involved."

This year's event - the biggest of its kind in Bolton with one race at 11am and the second at 2pm - will be broadcast live around the local area by Tower FM breakfast presenter, Sarah Powell.

Women will be cheered on by a hunky troupe of all male cheerleaders, courtesy of the event's sponsors, Nivea, and the warm up will be carried out by Val McKnight and Cuthrina Critchley from Rosemary Conley.

Organisers are still appealing for volunteers, both men and women, to help out on the day.

Imogen said: "From coming down first thing to help set up marquees, to marshalling the course, to handing out goody bags, we need all the help we can get.

"One in three people will be affected by cancer at some point in their life, so this is a great opportunity for women to come together for a great day and raise as much money as possible. It isn't about how fast you can run it, it doesn't matter how you get round, run, walking or jogging."

Council bosses are encouraging people to make sure they recycle their plastic bottles and cans on the day and are providing free recycle bins at the start and the finish of the race.

People can contact the volunteer hotline on 08702 401112 or simply turn up on the day.