NORFOLK women are being urged to grab the afternoon places at Cancer Research UK's Race for Life at Norfolk Showground, now that the Saturday 1pm and the Sunday morning event is full.

NORFOLK women are being urged to grab the afternoon places at Cancer Research UK's Race for Life at Norfolk Showground, now that the Saturday 1pm and the Sunday morning event is full.

More than 8,600 participants have already accepted the charity's invitation to help beat cancer by entering the Saturday and Sunday morning Race for Life event.

Now organisers are encouraging local ladies who like a 'lie-in' to take part in the afternoon event at the same venue, which starts at 3.30pm.

Cancer Research UK's Race for Life 2009 is the UK's largest women-only fundraising event series. Women of all ages and fitness levels are invited to do something amazing by entering Race for Life and coming together to walk, jog or run 5k to raise money to help beat cancer.

Gemma Turpin, Norfolk event manager for Race for Life, said: “It is absolutely fantastic that 8,600 women have already responded to our invitation to Race for Life in Norwich. We are hoping to encourage any women who haven't signed up yet to enter the afternoon event and help us create a great party atmosphere on the day. The afternoon event is perfect for anyone who loves their Sunday 'lie-in' but still wants to help raise money for Cancer Research UK.”

She added: “Race for Life in Norwich is always a fantastic experience, with local women of all ages, abilities, shapes and sizes coming together to make a positive difference to the lives of people touched by cancer. They motivate and inspire each other to complete the 5k course. Many simply walk round, chatting and having fun but they all share the wonderful spirit of sisterhood and pride on the day.”

In 2008, 10,135 women took part in Race for Life in Norwich and helped raise an incredible �649,031 for Cancer Research UK's live saving work.

This year, Cancer Research UK hopes 10,500 women in Norfolk will sign up to Race for Life and help hit the fundraising target.

Gemma Turpin said: “The number of people surviving cancer is increasing. In the 1960s, less than three out of 10 children diagnosed with cancer were successfully treated. Now, it's seven out of 10. Today, more than 95pc of men diagnosed with testicular cancer are cured and more women are surviving breast cancer than ever before.”

She continued: “But we still have a long way to go. Despite improvements in treatment, one-in-four people in the UK will die from cancer. Cancer Research UK believes that research is the key to developing better ways of preventing, detecting and treating the disease. With the help of women in Norfolk, and those who encourage and sponsor their Race for Life efforts, we will beat cancer.”

To enter Cancer Research UK's Race for Life visit www.raceforlife.org or by calling 0871 641 2282.