WOMEN in York are being urged to do their bit in the battle against cancer as entries open today for the annual Race for Life event.

Cancer Research UK wants women of all shapes, age and sizes to put their names down for the fun run, which this year takes place on Knavesmire on June 2.

Jenny Murgatroyd, Cancer Research UK’s Yorkshire events manager, said: “Come on ladies, please play your part by entering Race for Life in York. Together, we can hit cancer where it hurts.

“There are more than 200 cancers and we won’t give up until we find cures for them all. It’s fighting talk, and we mean every word we say.”

She said: “Cancer, York is coming to get you.

“Women of all shapes, sizes, ages and levels of fitness take part in Race for Life.

“They come from different backgrounds and walks of life, but they are united by their absolute determination to take on cancer and beat it.

“There is also the return of the 10k event, which will run simultaneously for those women who are looking for a bigger challenge.”

Only 2,851 women took part in the fun run on Knavesmire last year – lower than the expected 4,000.

On that occasion the race was started by cancer survivor Leigh Naylor, from Ripon, who was diagnosed with cervical cancer at the age of 27.

Doctors had failed to diagnose the condition eight times, but she was recently given the all-clear.

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