Women living in Kingsbridge are being urged to get their trainers on to take part in Cancer Research UK's Race for Life 2008.

The event encourages women and girls of all ages and fitness levels to either walk, jog or run the 5k distance whilst also raising money to help beat cancer.

Race for Life, which began in 1994, is now the biggest women-only fundraising event in the UK, with every pound raised in sponsorship going towards furthering the charity's ground-breaking work.

This includes the scientists, doctors and nurses who work tirelessly to find new treatments for the disease.

Kingsbridge sisters, Sian and Natasha Heard, will both be taking part in this year's event in Plymouth.

The pair want everyone they know to sponsor them, as they aim to raise at least £150 between them.

Natasha Heard: "I think every person has been affected by cancer or knows someone who has and by raising money I hope to make a contribution and to lower the number of people affected."

Natasha, 22, who lives in Crispin Road, said: "I'm entering the Race For Life to hopefully make a difference to the lives of everyone.

"I think every person has been affected by cancer or knows someone who has and by raising money I hope to make a contribution and to lower the number of people affected.

"There is no cure for cancer but if I can help to find more effective treatments by raising some money just by walking, jogging or running 5km, then I will."

To date, 2.7 million women have raised over £200m for Cancer Research UK.

Race for Life events are open to women of all levels of fitness. There is no prize for first place and almost half the participants choose to walk the course.

In 2007, around 665,000 women took part in 280 venues across the UK between May and July.

This year, Cancer Research UK says it hopes even more women will take part.

Races will be held at the following venues across Devon:

Paignton - May 11
Plymouth Hoe - June 8
Barnstaple - June 15
Killerton House, Exeter - July 6
Exeter Westpoint Arena - July 20

To enter Race for Life 2008 or for more information, visit www.raceforlife.org/southwest, or call the hotline on 08716412279.