Race is on for 13,500 women

The charity is asking females to pass on the invitation to friends, family and colleagues now that entry to the fundraising events is officially open.

This year's regional Race for Life events take place during the summer in Wolverhampton's West Park, Sandwell Valley Country Park, and on Cannock Chase.

Last year, 12,413 women walked, jogged or ran the events within the region and raised an £691,387.

This year, organisers are encouraging 13,500 women to put their best feet forward and raise £755,000.

Esther Hartas, Race for Life area event manager for Wolverhampton, said: "We hope that women of all ages, abilities, shapes and sizes will accept our invitation to do something amazing by taking part.

"They motivate and inspire each other to complete the 5k course. Many simply walk round, chatting and having fun, but they all share the wonderful spirit of sisterhood and pride."

Cancer Research UK is funding over 100 clinical trials, many of which are involving people in the Midlands. In Wolverhampton, people can take part in a trial of whether a drug called dalteparin can improve treatment for lung cancer.

"Clinical trials like this are vital so that we can find new and better ways to detect and treat cancer and give more people the opportunity to receive the latest treatments," Esther said.

"The number of people surviving cancer is increasing. In the 1960s, less than three out of ten children diagnosed with cancer were successfully treated. Now, it's seven out of ten.

"Today, more than 95 per cent of men diagnosed with testicular cancer are cured and more women are surviving breast cancer than ever before," added Esther.

"But we still have a long way to go. Despite improvements in treatment, one in four people in the UK will die from cancer."

Women are invited to enter on www.raceforlife.org or by calling 0871 641 2282.