A TEAM of solicitors from Southampton are lacing up their running shoes in celebration of brave colleagues who have fought cancer.

Staff at Paris, Smith and Randall are taking part in Race for Life this summer to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

The 18 women - two of whom have recovered from cancer themselves - hope their efforts in the 5km fun run will generate hundreds of pounds to help fund research into the disease.

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Team organiser Shelley Moodie said: "We had a team last year and it was such a good day even more girls wanted to get involved this time.

"It's a women-only event so it's very inspirational.

"We will be running in memory of colleagues and loved ones who have died of cancer, but we will also be celebrating for our friends who have beaten the disease."

Among them is Susie Warwick, who recovered from breast cancer almost three years ago.

"It's wonderful to be running as part of a team - it will be such a good atmosphere on the day," said Susie, 60, who took part in Race for Life 2006 in the middle of her cancer treatment.

"It is always such a moving day, especially when you read the messages of celebration and commemoration on people's backs.

"But ultimately it is a happy and positive event."

Susie, who is running in memory of her dad, will be joining some 10,000 women expected to walk, jog or run the 5km course around Southampton Common on July 13.

Organisers hope their efforts will generate more than £500,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Race for Life events are taking place across Britain this summer, including Winchester and the Isle of Wight.

Men and women can also raise money for Cancer Research UK by taking part in the Beaulieu 10k run on September 21. Enter at run10k.org.uk.

Are you taking part in Race for Life this year? E-mail paula.thompson@dailyecho.co.uk with your story.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RACE FOR LIFE HERE