CHARITY fundraisers have issued a rallying cry to women across the city – urging them to dress in pink and take part in a well-loved fun run.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life returns to Worcester this summer, bringing its 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events to the racecourse on Saturday, July 15 and Sunday, July 16.

Volunteers will descend on the CrownGate Shopping Centre, in Friars Walk, on Saturday from 9am to encourage participants to get involved.

Every woman who signs up is invited to wear a single pink shoelace in one of their trainers as their Race for Life ‘badge of honour’.

Race for Life’s Worcester event manager Michelle Leighton said: "We hope that passing shoppers will be inspired to sign up, wear their Race Lace with pride and show the world that they are helping to beat cancer sooner by taking part in Race for Life.

"Every participant can help to make a real difference.

"Life-saving research is being funded right now thanks to the women of Worcester running, jogging or walking at Race for Life.

“Whether they’re planning a 5k amble with friends, a 10k sprint or a mud-splattered dash around the Pretty Muddy obstacle course, it’s not about being first over the finish line - it’s the taking part that counts.

"Our participants play a crucial role in helping to turn discoveries made in the lab into better treatments for patients in the West Midlands and across the UK.

"Every day, 85 people are diagnosed with cancer in the West Midlands. That’s why we need women in Worcester to sign up to Race for Life, share their #RaceLace photos and inspire like-minded ladies to follow their lead.

“Every step participants take will help to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured."

At the event on Saturday, members of the public can read moving stories from women who are taking part in the races and find out why they decided to sign up.

Last year, Cancer Research UK spent more than £9 million in the region on leading scientific and clinical research – all thanks to the generosity of supporters.

One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives, but more people are surviving the disease now than ever before.

Survival rates have doubled since the early 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress.

To enter Race for Life today visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.