THIS year's Race for Life in Basingstoke is aiming to be the biggest yet, with 6,000 women expected to take part.

Entries have already been received from more than 2,000 ladies and girls eager to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

Together they are aiming to hit a target of £300,000 by either walking, running or jogging in the 5km fundraiser being held at Down Grange on Wednesday, June 26, at 7.30pm.

The maximum amount of people who can take part is 6,000 and participants are being urged to register as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

The official launch of the race - which last year attracted 4,000 entrants - took place on Tuesday. An emotional and inspiring speech was given by Suki Gallagher, a Basingstoke woman who successfully beat cervical cancer 10 years ago.

She will be taking part in the Basingstoke fundraiser for the second year running with her daughter Charlie who will celebrate her 10th birthday on the day of the race. The pair have been given numbers 1 and 2 for this year's event.

Suki said: "When people are told they have cancer, all you think about is 'you're going to die'. I'm living proof you can get through it and you can go on to have much better life because you appreciate every single day and realise how fragile life is."

Now a dedicated Race for Life supporter after attending eight races last year and running in two, she added: "The Race for Life is so different because all ages can get involved and cancer is something that affects all ages. We all have to play a part in raising money for this important organisation."

Turning this year's fundraiser into a real family affair is 35-year-old Alison Pilcher, of Winchester Road, Basingstoke who was diagnosed with breast cancer last October. She will be taking part with her sister Sharon Fryer, niece Olivia Fryer and eight-year-old daughter Rhianna.

"I probably had cancer when I did the Race for Life last year which is ironic," said Alison. "Because I lost my mother to cancer 10 years ago, it's always been really important to me but now even more so."

To enter, please call 08705 134 314 or visit www.raceforlife.co.uk

No entries will be accepted on the day of the race.