Cancer Research UK is bringing its 11th annual Race for Life event to the Westmorland County Showground, at Crooklands, on Sunday, June 13.

With a national series of 5km women-only walks, jogs or runs (depending on your energy levels on the day), Race for Life aims to raise, through sponsorship, vital funds for research into cancers that affect women.

The event was set up in 1994 as an opportunity for women throughout the UK to remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones affected by cancer, and has enjoyed huge success while backing the world's leading independent organisation dedicated to researching the life-threatening illnesses.

Women of all ages and fitness abilities are invited to share the experience and fun of the event as an estimated 325,000 participants join together across the country in a united effort to raise a target of £20 million.

All the money raised from the event goes straight to the charity, which means participants will be directly helping Cancer Research UK scientists to study the causes of cancer, develop treatments and cures - and save lives.

Last year 560 women took part in the Crooklands event, raising £21,000 in the process. This year, with your help, Cancer Research UK aims to double that figure to raise £50,000 by attracting 1,000 locals to take part.

So, dig out your running shoes, and take advantage of the generosity of friends and colleagues to help make a real difference. The event goes live on February 23, and entering is easy.

To take part, an £8.50 fee (£5 for under 18s) helps to cover the administrative and marshalling costs, and entry forms are available from Cancer Research UK shops, Tesco stores and selected leisure centres, GP surgeries and libraries.

You can also call the hotline (open 8.30am to 8.30pm) on 08705-134314 or enter online by visiting www.raceforlife.org