WITH the countdown to Cancer Research UK's Race for Life campaign well under way, hundreds of women from around the South Lakes are limbering up and pounding the pavements in preparation for the big event.

Almost 600 women have entered the 5km walk/jog/run at the Westmorland County Showground, near Crooklands, on Sunday, June 13, and are now busy raising sponsorship. Among those endeavouring to fund research into the treatment, cure and prevention of cancers that affect women, are the sprightly ladies of The Westmorland Gazette.

The Gazette's deputy head of content and team coach Michaela Robinson-Tate explained the women-only race was for everyone, regardless of age, fitness or ability. "Anyone can take part in Race for Life and it is a great opportunity to get together with your daughter, sister, girlfriends or colleagues and have a fun day out while raising vital funds for an important charity. Even the training can be fun," she said.

Since the women-only event began ten years ago, women across the UK have raised £50 million for the cause and cancer death rates have fallen by 11 per cent. But still more than one-in-three people in the UK will get cancer at some point in their lifetime - with one in four dying from the disease.

If you would like to help organisers reach this year's £20million goal, you can make a difference. To enter, call the hotline on 08705-134314 or log onto www.raceforlife.org If you would like to sponsor The Westmorland Gazette team, visit our offices at 1 Wainwright's Yard, Kendal, or e-mail ellie.hargreaves@kendal.newsquest.co.uk