This year there will be over 240 Race for Life events taking place nationwide, making it the largest women-only fundraising event in the UK.

Since Race for Life started in Battersea Park in1994, with 'just' 680 participants, over six million women have supported the cause, raising over £457 million.

Women of all ages and abilities are driven to gather in not just an amazing atmosphere of 'sisterhood' but one of high spirits, positivity and a shared determination to do our bit in the ongoing fight against cancer. 

Few of us have not been affected by the disease, either personally or through family and friends. Whilst many run in memory of those they have lost, there is an ever increasing number of participants who are taking part in celebration of either themselves or someone close surviving a cancer experience. And this is largely due to the ongoing work of Cancer Research UK towards finding new ways of preventing and treating the disease in all its many forms.

Thanks to the dedication of Cancer Research UK and the support of thousands, cancer is no longer the automatic death sentence it was once considered to be, and although still not something any of us want to face, it is no longer spoken about in hushed tones. The work of the scientists, doctors and nurses is saving millions of lives that only a few decades ago would have been lost, and an awareness of this progress means we seem much more ready to speak openly about what was previously almost a taboo subject. 

So pull out your pink, use your imagination and come along to Lloyd Park, Croydon on July 22nd. You may just want to sport a neon pink T shirt, but feel free to don pink wigs, feather boas, fairy wings and embrace the Barbie in you!

And don't think you have to be any kind of athlete to take part. You can walk, jog or run the 5k distance (despite its name, it's not actually a race!). 5k is just over three miles, approximately a 30 minute run, 45 minute jog or an hour's walk – less than we do around the shopping centre when we're hammering the plastic!  But if you feel you need help the Race for Life website gives you training tips and plans so you can be confident that you are easily up to the challenge!

Even though Race for Life is a women only event, men aren't actually banned! Perhaps your other half will just be there cheering you on, or looking after the little ones, but the budding photographer in him could capture an image that epitomises the spirit of the day and enter it into the Race for Life photography competition. Not only is there a state of the art camera to be won, the winning photo could end up being used to front a Race for Life campaign.

Bring along the whole family, stay for the afternoon and enjoy a wide range of entertainment and activities, including live music, drumming workshops and pizza for all, from just £3!!