Women in Ipswich are being urged to “unite against cancer” by signing up for Race for Life this Mother’s Day.

Ipswich Star: The 2016 event in Trinity Park. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNThe 2016 event in Trinity Park. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Cancer Research UK is hosting a series of events at Trinity Park on Saturday, June 23 and Sunday, June 24 in a bid to raise cash for the cause.

Fundraisers can choose to take part in a 5k or 10k run, or the Pretty Muddy obstacle course.

The principle of the event is that women of any age, shape, size and fitness level can take part.

The charity is using this Mother’s Day, which falls on Sunday, March 11, to encourage more women to get involved.

Gemma Turpin, Cancer Research UK’s Ipswich event manager, said: “We are urging mums and daughters in Ipswich to make this Mother’s Day extra special by signing up to Race for Life.

“By signing up to Race for Life, women in Ipswich can make a real difference in the fight against cancer. Money raised will help Cancer Research UK scientists and doctors find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease, helping save more lives.

“Taking part in Race for Life is a special and unique experience - full of emotion, courage, tears and laughter. By joining like-minded ladies committed to the cause, women can unite against a disease that affects us all in some way. Whether they plan to pound the pavements or amble to the finish line, every step participants take will help to support crucial research.”

One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives, but the charity says more patients are surviving than ever before.

Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is a women-only series of events that raise millions of pounds for Cancer Research UK every year.

The charity spent around £49 million last year in East Anglia on scientific and clinical research.

Ms Turpin added: “Every day, 90 people are diagnosed with cancer in East of England. That’s why we’re calling on ladies in Ipswich to sign up right now and join women from every walk of life at the start line this summer.

“Money raised through Race for Life is helping to drive research to help beat over 200 different types of cancer - that’s why every step, every person and every penny raised counts.”