TODAY a plea is being issued to ensure that thousands of women in Southampton can take to their trainers in a mammoth fundraising effort for Cancer Research UK.

During the course of this weekend ladies can take part in a trio of Race for Life events all aimed at raising much-needed cash to help fund pioneering research and treatments.

More than 5,000 women are expected to turn the city pink by taking part in this weekend’s events which include Pretty Muddy on Saturday and Race for Life’s 5km and 10km events on Sunday.

It is hoped their efforts will raise in the region of £195,000 for the charity.

But none of it would be possible without the army of volunteers that are needed to ensure the events can be staged.

Those who can marshal the course and cheer on participants are as important as those who are pounding the pavements, so Cancer Research UK is calling on Daily Echo readers for their support.

If tackling muddy obstacle courses is not your thing but slinging mud at willing participants is, then your help is urgently needed for Pretty Muddy.

And without the team of helpers handing out medals, stocking up water supplies, marshalling the route and cheering on runners, the Race for Life events simply would not happen.

That is why a rallying cry has gone out today to raise an army of volunteers.

By signing up you will be helping thousands of women raise money for the charity that last year spent more than £6m on vital research in Southampton – where the charity funds scientists and a team of specialist nurses at a dedicated centre.

Jenny Makin, senior regional media officer for Cancer Research UK, said: “Volunteers play a vital role in our Race for Life events; they are as important to the success of the weekend as those taking part.

“We would urge anyone – men or women – who can help in any capacity to get in touch. Whether it is by participating in one of the events or making sure others can, we salute you.”

In order to allow the event to go ahead, road users are being reminded that there will be a number of closures in place.

Pretty Muddy takes place on Southampton Common and, as a result, the Cemetery Road and Northlands Road entrance will be closed.

On Sunday closures will include The Avenue, Highfield Road, Highfield Avenue, Cemetery Road and Northlands Road, while any access roads onto these roads will also be affected.

The Avenue will be closed from 9am to 2pm, Cemetery Road will be closed from 7.30am with access only for staff and volunteers to park.

If you would like to volunteer this weekend, please contact Georgina Horne on email at Georgina.Horne@cancer.org.uk or call 07795 428651