FOR the fifth year running, staff at Marks & Spencer in Southampton's WestQuay shopping centre are gearing up to run the Race for Life.

The women have a poignant reason for taking part in the event around a 5k course on Southampton Common, which regularly raises more than half a million pounds for Cancer Research UK.

"We've lost several members of staff to cancer and we'll be running in memory of them," said organiser Lisa Spencer.

The 28-strong M&S team has already raised around £10,000 for Cancer Research UK and is hoping to meet its £2,000 target at this year's race - a sum which will be matched by Marks & Spencer.

"It's such a good cause we just wanted to do what we could to help," said Lisa.

Ten thousand women are expected to take part in the event on July 13 making it the biggest Race for Life in the country. To register for your nearest Race for Life, visit raceforlife.org./southwest or ring 0871 641 2279.

l Taking part in Race for Life this year? Would you or you team like to feature in the Daily Echo? Call Paula Thompson on 023 8042 4484 or e-mail paula.thompson@ dailyecho.co.uk.