HEATON Park was one of 21 destinations visited by Cancer Research UK's Race for Life team after it took to the road to visit all its event locations.

And they did it all in a remarkable 21 hours in a bid to encourage North West women to sign up to this year's fundraising challenge.

Statistics show that, every hour, more than four people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West, prompting Cancer Research UK to call on women to fight back against the devastating disease by entering Race for Life 5k, 10k or the Pretty Muddy obstacle course.

Heaton Park will host the 5k and 10k events on Sunday July 12 while Pretty Muddy is scheduled to take place a day earlier on July 11.

Carrie Murphy, Cancer Research UK’s event manager, said: “Race for Life is non-competitive. It’s not about being fit or fast. Most women are able to walk 5k in an hour while chatting and having fun. Or they can choose to jog, run or charge around the course if they prefer.’’

In a bid to raise awareness of the cause and the challenge, the gym Total Fitness are backing the teams efforts.

Money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists to advance research which is helping to save the lives of men, women and children across the North West.

Cancer survival rates have doubled since the 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of the progress.

Carrie continued: “We’re calling on the brave ladies of the North West to show their fighting spirit once more and take on cancer at this year’s event.

In the meantime you can follow our journey on twitter using #RFL2121, and tell as many people as possible about our challenge.’’

* To enter Race for Life: go to raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.