The Sunday-scheduled 5km Race for Life event at Newbury Showground will witness the participation of thousands of women, raising funds for Cancer Research UK.

The event – to commence at 11 am - is being sponsored by Cancer Research UK and Tesco; and the organisers are hopeful that nearly 3,000 women will take part, helping accomplish the fundraising target of £216,000. The 2010 event had 2,100 women taking part in it, to raise a total of £130,000.

The biggest all-women fundraising event series, Race for Life gives the participants a platform to come together to raise funds for contributing top the cancer cause. The 5km walk, jog or run boasts the participation of women of all ages, shapes, sizes and abilities.

Referring to the Race for Life event as “a very moving and emotional experience,” Race for Life patron and television presenter, Gloria Hunniford said: “Race for Life is very close to my heart and I know the same is true for so many people in Newbury.”

Revealing that it is over six years since she lost her daughter to cancer, Hunniford requested all women – irrespective of their age, fitness level and ability – to take part, saying: “It’s a great, fun day out and, as you can walk, jog or run, everyone can do it at their own pace.”