MORE than 1,000 women are expected to put on their running shoes and pink t-shirts to take part in the Race for Life this weekend.

The women’s only event is taking place in Durham on Sunday, July 2 from 11am.

Hundreds of people will be running and walking the five kilometre route around St Leonard’s sports field in a bid to raise as much as they can for Cancer Research.

Among them will be Lucy Thexton, from Carrville, Durham, who has taken part in a Race for Life every year since she was 11 and has taken part in every event in Durham.

This year the 24-year-old, who is a community champion at Tescos, has managed to convince almost 40 of her colleagues to take part.

She said: “I lost my nana to cancer when I was little so I’ve always done it since I was old enough.

“The atmosphere is always fantastic. I’ve done every one since the Durham one started and it’s always a good day.

“We’ve got a coach load of people going this year.”

She added: “We all know someone who has been affected by cancer so it’s all about clubbing together and raising enough money to find a cure.”

Lisa Millett, Cancer Research UK’s North East spokesperson, said: “Life-saving research is being funded right now thanks to the women of Durham running, jogging or walking at Race for Life.

“Our participants play a crucial role in helping to turn discoveries made in the lab into better treatments for patients and we rely on their incredible commitment to the cause.

“Race for Life isn’t about being the fittest, fastest or first over the finish line. We need women of all ages and abilities to sign up. It’s the taking part that counts whatever women raise. Just £10 could make a difference in the fight against cancer.”

Money raised through Race for Life helps to make long-term research and pioneering trials possible, leading to new tests, kinder treatments and cures, which could save the lives of more people.