SWINDON women are being urged to enter Cancer Research UK's Race for Life after latest figures show there are still almost half the available places to fill with just weeks to go.

Race for Life at Swindon takes place over the weekend of July 24 and 25.

So far just over 3,000 women have signed up – well short of the anticipated number prompting organisers to issue an urgent rallying call to the city’s ‘missing’ mums, daughters, sisters and friends.

It is hoped women will respond and register as soon as possible to secure their place in the UK’s largest women-only fundraising series.

Kelly Rumble, event manager for Cancer Research UK, said: “We are concerned that places in this year’s Swindon Race for Life have been slow to fill, as other events around the UK have been snapped up quickly.

“It could be that many women have simply forgotten to enter this year or, having completed the 5k event previously, feel that they don’t need to take part again.

But we want to remind these ‘missing’ women just how important their contribution is. One-in-three people are diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives and research is very expensive. The only way we can beat the disease is with their help.

"Race for Life is full of amazing moments and we don't want any of the women in Swindon to miss-out so we are urging them to enter today!"

And women who have taken part before, but now feel they need an extra challenge, are in luck. The Swindon event is one of just 29 across the UK where they have the choice of taking part in the traditional 5k Race for Life or stepping up the challenge to 10k by continuing round the course for a second time.

Each woman who signs up for Race for Life, and raises money, will be helping to fund vital research which could make a significant difference to over 100 people diagnosed with cancer in the South every day.

This year, the charity hopes over 6,000 women will take part in either the 5k or 10k and raise over £350,000 for research.

Kelly added: "We want women, regardless of their age, shape, size and fitness level to walk, jog or run the course and revel in Race for Life's unique atmosphere on the day."

All sponsor money raised from Race for Life goes to fund Cancer Research UK's life-saving work. All women are welcome, regardless of whether they are taking part on their own or as part of a group.

Cancer Research UK funds world-class research and clinical trials which are helping people in the Swindon area where, for example, 138 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Each one is somebody's mother, sister, daughter, wife, girlfriend, colleague or friend. By taking part in Race for Life, women are helping to fund vital research.

For instance just £94 could help cover the costs for one woman to take part in a clinical trial that aims to improve treatment for women with early breast cancer.

To enter Cancer Research UK's Race for Life visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0871 641 1111.