RACE for Life participants have been urged to step up a gear when it comes to coughing up the cash for Cancer Research UK.

Of the 5,500 women and girls who took part in Worcester's 5km race in June, just 39 per cent have handed in their sponsorship money - raising £210,317 towards a £330,000 target.

Race organiser Rebecca Hillyard urged those people still sitting on their cash to get a move on.

"This year's Race for Life in Worcester was a huge success in terms of enthusiasm and enjoyment of all those who were involved," she said.

"Now we need to ask every woman who took part to ensure that it is also a success in terms of fund-raising.

"No one need worry that their contribution is too small or that it is too late to send it in - every pound helps."

Last year the situation was the same, with women quick to sign up to the event but slow to stump up the cash.

Participants at other county races have also been slow to get their sponsorship money in. Of the 1,200 people that took part in Malvern's race in May, only 43 per cent of participants have returned their funds, raising £48,324 towards a £72,000 target.

The same percentage of Evesham's participants have yet to cough up for June's event, with £78,825 raised towards a £100,000 target. The situation for Hereford's July race is even worse - with just 24 per cent of participants handing in their money.

Nationally, the fund-raising is going well, with £38m being raised towards a £46m target. Every pound makes a difference - £1,000 will pay for one woman to take part in a major breast cancer prevention trial. To return sponsorship by post, send a cheque, payable to Cancer Research UK to Race for Life, PO BOX 442, Northampton, NN3 6UU.

For information about Race for Life and how to pay online visit www.raceforlife.org