OVER 1,700 women of all ages, abilities, shapes and sizes showed their incredible commitment to the cause as they took their place at the start line yesterday (Sunday July 8) in Royal Victoria Park, Bath, to help beat cancer.

Organisers of the 5k/10k events are sending a heartfelt message of thanks to everyone who took part and all their supporters and they’re asking them to make every step count by paying in their sponsorship money as soon as possible so that it can be used to fund life-saving research.

Brenda Scott, Cancer Research UK’s Bath events manager, said: “Lifesaving research is being funded right now thanks to people like the women of Bath who join the fight at Race for Life.

“The atmosphere on the day was hugely moving - full of emotion, courage, tears and laughter - as people came together to remember loved ones lost to cancer or celebrate the lives of those dear to them who have survived.

“Now we’re asking everyone who took part, and all the friends, family and colleagues who pledged to sponsor them, to return the money they’ve raised as soon as possible. Money raised will help Cancer Research UK scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease, helping save more lives.”

Today, two in four people survive their cancer for at least 10 years. Cancer Research UK’s ambition is to accelerate progress so that by 2034, three in four people will survive their cancer for at least 10 years.

Dr Áine McCarthy, Cancer Research UK’s senior science communications officer, said: “There are over 200 types of cancer and we need continued investment in research to help us find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat them all.”

Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work relies on the public’s support. Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, the charity was able to spend around £2 million last year in the South West on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research, helping more men, women and children survive.