MORE than 1,000 women have signed up to take part in Stevenage s first Race for Life. But there is still time to join up, with over 900 places left in the run, which will take place on Sunday, July 15 at Fairlands Valley Park. Race for Life is a women-onl

MORE than 1,000 women have signed up to take part in Stevenage's first Race for Life.

But there is still time to join up, with over 900 places left in the run, which will take place on Sunday, July 15 at Fairlands Valley Park.

Race for Life is a women-only event which raises vital funds for Cancer Research UK.

The course is 5km and participants can run or walk.

Helen Nassau, senior national events executive for the charity, said: "I'm delighted with how it's going. It's absolutely fantastic, especially with Stevenage being the first year.

"Every single woman who takes part and raises funds through Race for Life, makes an invaluable contribution towards the fight against cancer and it's a hugely enjoyable experience with a fantastic atmosphere.

"We have set a fundraising target of £166,000 for the Stevenage Race for Life, but if every woman who enters raises as much as possible hopefully we can smash this target."

Among those taking part are Comet reporters Hannah Gray, Becky Findley and Louise McEvoy.

The trio have started fundraising and are having a competition to see who can raise the most money.

So far they have already collected more than £2,000 in donations and pledges.

Here they explain why they are taking part.

Louise

I am running in the Race for Life for my mum. Two years ago she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

It was absolutely devastating. She had to have a mastectomy and a course of radiotherapy but thankfully she is now on the road to recovery.

I also have two friends who have just been diagnosed - one with breast cancer and one with cervical cancer. Sadly, everyone knows someone who has had, or has, cancer so please dig deep and help to raise money to fight this killer disease.

By sponsoring me now you could help more people to survive. To sponsor me, visit: www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/loumac1980

Becky

Cancer Research UK is a cause that so many of us can relate to.

I'm doing Race for Life for my grandma and for all my friends and family who have lost someone they love. I am also doing it for all the survivors out there, like my boyfriend's mum and everyone else - you all know who are you are.

I feel lucky to have so many friends, my family and a great boyfriend and so I also want to give something back.

Wish me luck and sponsor me at

http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/bexf

Hannah

I Race For Life for the three members of my family who have suffered from cancer. It took my dad's mum away before I was even born and I feel sad to have never met her. It is heartbreaking that so many people know someone who has had cancer but events like this mean that we can at least do something pro-active and help fight this evil disease.

Please join Becky, Louise and me in the Race for Life, and don't forget to raise lots of money along the way. If you don't fancy taking part or you're a man and therefore can't, please log onto my website and sponsor me - www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/hannahgray

You can sponsor Hannah by clicking here>>>You can sponsor Louise by clicking here>>>You can sponsor Rebecca by clicking here>>>