Race for life on Sunday

6:30pm Friday 18th July 2008

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THOUSANDS of women will pack into Leverhulme Park tomorrow with the aim of raising as much as possible for Cancer Research UK.

More than 3,000 walkers, joggers and runners have entered this year’s Race for Life — a 5km event, which will be held in two stages.

The first race starts at 11am with the second taking part at 3pm and it is the biggest event of its kind in Bolton.

Many of those taking part have been touched by cancer, either battling it themselves or watching a loved one suffer with the disease.

Organisers are hoping to raise at least £160,000 in the two events.

Jayne Leggat, organiser of this year’s Race for Life, said: “Good luck to all those ladies who will be walking, jogging or running in Sunday’s events. We hope to raise as much as possible and are very grateful for everyone who is taking part.”

A breast cancer research nurse from the Royal Bolton Hospital will be at the event to raise awareness of a breast cancer prevention study being carried out in the borough.

Zoe Gall will be in Leverhulme Park to answer questions about the International Breast Cancer Intervention Study II, which is open to postmenopausal women aged between 40 and 70 who have a family history of breast cancer.

She said: “In my job as a cancer research nurse, I see the effect breast cancer has on those who are diagnosed, their friends, families and everyone around them.

“I wanted to come along to the Race for Life to raise awareness of this important study.”

For more information about the study visit www.ibis-trials.org or call 01204 390445.

Bolton’s Active Health team will also be at the event to offer advice to people on how to get fit and give away a mountain bike in a raffle.

Tower FM will be on hand to provide entertainment and the warm up will be led by Val McKnight, who runs Rosemary Conley classes throughout Bolton.

• Council bosses are encouraging people to recycle while they are at the Race for Life and are providing recycling bins for plastic, cans and paper.