WOMEN are being urged to join a show of defiance against cancer and sign up for the Dorchester Race for Life.

Entries are now open for the Cancer Research UK event at Kingston Maurward College on Sunday, May 18.

Women of all ages, shapes and sizes are being encouraged to join hundreds of other runners on the 5km course as a show of support for the 84 people that are diagnosed with cancer every day in the south west.

The Cancer Research UK Race For Life, which is supported by Tesco, raises millions of pounds to fund life saving research every year with a series of runs across the country.

The charity’s Dorchester events manager Lisa Sweeting said: “We’re calling on Dorchester’s mighty-mums, gutsy-grans, feisty friends and go-getting girls to join our formidable army and take on cancer at this year’s Race for Life.

“We know how committed Dorchester women can be when they really make up their minds to do something. “We want to harness that power to stop cancer in its tracks, by raising money for life-saving research.”

She added: “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.”

Last year saw around 1,500 women take part in the Dorchester Race for Life and between them they raised an amazing £76,000.

This time round organisers have set a target of 1,600 entrants and a fundraising goal of £80,000.

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.

Cancer Research UK receives no government funding for its ground-breaking work but with help of generous donations the charity intends to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

Lisa said: “Race for Life is an amazing way to celebrate life but also remember those who have been lost to the disease.

“There are over 200 cancers and we won’t give up until we find cures for them all.”

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