Spelling out why women should sign up

Wendy, who recently gave birth to her first baby, held up a letter E in front of the iconic Blackpool Tower, as part of a Cancer Research UK tour of Race For Life towns – at each venue a letter was revealed, to spell out the words “unite against cancer”.

A supporter in each of the 19 north west and North Wales towns – which will all be hosting Race For Life events – became a social media star for the day via Twitter and shared their personal reasons for standing up and uniting against cancer.

Wendy is founder of WHF (Wendy Holland’s Fitness) studios in Thornton and leads the women of Blackpool in the warm-up before the Race For Life starts each year.

She said: “Being a part of Race for Life in Blackpool is an amazing experience. I get a large team together to take part every year and we always have a great time. The day is very special and fantastic to raise money for a such a worthwhile cause which is close to everyone’s hearts.”

The Cancer Research Race For Life team took to the road to call on women across the region to help fight back against cancer by signing up to the Race For Life 5k, 10k or Pretty Muddy events.

This year in Blackpool the 5k and 10k runs take place on The Promenade on Wednesday, July 6. Pretty Muddy – a mud-strewn obstacle run – will be held at Lawson’s Showground on September 17.

The events team is asking participants, supporters, volunteers and researchers to stand up and unite against cancer.

Laura Taylor, Cancer Research UK’s event manager, said: “Each year Race for Life in the North West and North Wales combined raises £3.2m towards live-saving research. With this activity we wanted to show how proud we are that together the women of the North West and North Wales strongly unite against cancer.

“We hope we can persuade as many women to sign up to Race for Life as possible.

“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 charge around the course if they prefer.

“We would also like to thank photographer Jessica O’Shaughnessy for giving up her time free of charge and taking such fantastic shots of our amazing supporters and beautiful venues.

“We’re calling on the brave ladies of the North West to show their fighting spirit once more and take on cancer at this year’s event.”

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

You can see the full reveal by following the team on twitter using #unitedagainstcancer or @CRUKEventsNW

• To enter Race for Life go to raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.