“WOMEN of Southampton you walked, you jogged, you charged and now it’s time to make it really count” says Elizabeth Frisby, Event Manager for Cancer Research UK.

Elizabeth is issuing a final plea to everyone who took part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life at Southampton Common to return their sponsorship money.

The charity relies on the funds to go towards vital life-saving research, much of which happens here in the South.

“Sadly, every year only one in three people actually return their sponsorship money and we are still waiting for a lot of money to come in from the event.

"Without the continued support of our participants and the money they raise, we could not continue to research cures and kinder treatments for those suffering with the disease,” adds Elizabeth.

Every hour, around five people are diagnosed with cancer in the South East.

But the good news is that research, funded through Southampton Race for Life, is helping men, women and children to survive the disease.

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

By issuing this plea Elizabeth wants to highlight how important money raised through Race for Life is to the work of doctors, nurses and scientists funded by Cancer Research UK. They are dedicated to beating cancer by understanding its causes and investigating how best to diagnose, treat and prevent the disease.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring women-only series of 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events which raises millions of pounds every year to help defeat cancer sooner by funding life-saving research.

“Race for Life at Southampton was an emotional yet amazing event," says Elizabeth.

"We want to say a heart-felt thanks to everyone who took part or supported our participants, as well as the wonderful volunteers who helped make it happen, but we still have a bit of way to go to reach our target of £500,000.

“Without this money, Race for Life can’t fund all the research that’s needed to help save more lives.

“So, whatever the amount, we’re asking everyone to make every effort to return their sponsorship money as soon as possible. It can be paid in online, by phone or by cheque.”

For information on returning sponsorship money, or to make a donation, visit www.raceforlife.org

You can sign up now for next year’s Race for Life at raceforlife.org.