HAMPSHIRE women are being urged to make a stand against cancer by entering Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, which opens to entrants today.

Event organisers are issuing the rallying cry ‘cancer, we’re coming to get you’ to mums, daughters, sisters, grandmas and friends, encouraging them to sign up as soon as possible.

Every hour, nearly five people are diagnosed with cancer in the south east*.

So women and girls of all ages, shapes and sizes are being encouraged to join together and take on cancer at The Garrison Ground and University of Winchester Stadium on Sunday, June 9, and at Southampton Common on Sunday, July 14.

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

Rachel Northover, Cancer Research UK’s South East Events Manager, said: “Come on ladies, play your part by entering Race for Life in Hampshire today.

Together, we can hit cancer where it hurts!

“There are over 200 cancers and we won’t give up until we find cures for them all. It’s fighting talk, but we mean every word we say. Cancer, Hampshire is coming to get you.”

Last year, 7,745 women took part in Race for Life in Winchester and Southampton and raised £454,000.

This year, organisers need 8,000 women and girls to stride out to help raise £460,000 for vital research.

Money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists to advance research which is helping to save the lives of men, women and children across the south east.

Rachel continued: “Women of all shapes, sizes, ages and levels of fitness take part in Race for Life. They come from different backgrounds and walks of life but they are united by their absolute determination to take on cancer and beat it.

“Race for Life is non-competitive. It’s not about being fit or fast. Most women are able to walk 5k in an hour while chatting and having fun. Or they can choose to jog, run or even dance around the course if they prefer.

“Race for Life is an amazing way to celebrate life but also remember those who have been lost to the disease. Participants may be decked out in pink or fancy dress but what’s inescapable is the strength that comes from thousands of women joining together to confront cancer. Don’t be fooled by the tutus and tiaras: Race for Life is cancer’s worst nightmare.”

Cancer Research UK receives no Government funding for its ground-breaking research but with help from the people of Hampshire, the charity intends to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

Rachel added: “We are very grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life in Winchester and Southampton last year and in the past. Thanks to them Cancer Research UK has been able to make progress against many forms of the disease.

But the battle against cancer never stops and we need everyone to return to the fight in 2013 and bring new recruits with them.”

l To enter Race for Life today go to raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050.

*Approximation based on annual average figure of around 42,400 cases of all cancers (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) diagnosed between 2007-2009 in the South East Government Office Region.