A BRAVE cancer patient is urging more women than ever to join her and take part in this year's Bolton Race for Life.

Amanda d'Argue, who is just two months away from completing a year-long course of the cancer wonder-drug Herceptin, put on her running shoes to take part in the charity run for the first time last year.

Despite undergoing the gruelling treatment, Mrs D'Argue not only completed the race at Heaton Park, she also pushed her pensioner mum, Avice, around the course in her wheelchair.

A total of 4,000 women took part in the two Bolton Race For Life runs in Leverhulme Park last year, raising £222,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Once again, two runs will be held, one in the morning and the second in the afternoon, on July 22.

The 40-year-old mum of two, who lives in Winchester Road, Radcliffe, said of her run last year : "It was a fantastic atmosphere. It was the first time I'd done it, but I was just bowled over by the number of women taking part and by the strength of feeling on the day.

"I had a real sense of achievement and wanted to do it because I felt I was giving something back.

"I would urge anyone who feels they can take part to make sure they do."

This year, the bank worker and Body Shop At Home consultant plans to complete the run at Leverhulme Park in Bolton.

The town's race organiser, Imogen Johnson, said: "Last year's event had an unforgettable atmosphere and was a great success, raising £222,000.

"I'd really urge every woman to take part as it's such an inspiring day and the money raised really does make an invaluable contribution to beating cancer.

"Race For Life is a fantastic opportunity for women of all ages to come together and raise money for Cancer Research UK. We're hoping that 4,000 women will take part in this year's event at Leverhulme Park."

People can register to take part in Race For Life, which is sponsored by Tesco, by calling 08705 134314 or logging on to www.racefor life.org