AS MOTHER’S Day approaches (March 15), Devon mums and daughters are being invited to spend quality time together by entering a Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life event near you.

Event organisers are asking women to make a date to beat cancer by signing up for a Race for Life 5k, 10k or Pretty Muddy event this summer. Events will take place later this year in Torbay on Sunday 7 June, Plymouth on Sunday 21 June, Barnstaple on Sunday 5 July, and Exeter on July 25-26.

By committing to walk, jog, run and charge their way around the course, mums and daughters will be investing time in creating precious memories together.

One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. So by getting sponsored to help fund life-saving research, participants will be helping more people survive so they in turn can enjoy more precious moments with their loved ones. This year, Race for Life Pretty Muddy will take place for the first time in the county at Westpoint Exeter on Saturday 25 July. Pretty Muddy is a new women-only, non-competitive 5k obstacle course – with mud. Women can complete the course at their own pace, climbing, jumping, walking and laughing their way around. It’s about women of all ages tackling cancer together and showing cancer who is boss.

Ruth Chamings, Race for Life event manager for Devon said: “We are urging women in the South West to give their mums a unique gift this Mother’s Day, by signing up to Race for Life together. The feel-good factor that comes from being part of an army of women ready to show cancer who’s boss will last long after the event is over.

“Race for Life events are not competitive. They are not about being fit or fast. The reality on the day is that participants of all shapes, sizes and ages generate an electric energy as they unite in their determination to defeat cancer.

“Pledging to take part in Race for Life, alongside thousands of like-minded women, is incredibly motivating. The atmosphere at the events is full of emotion. Participants wear signs on their backs declaring their reasons for taking part. Many will be remembering loved ones lost to cancer or celebrating the lives of people dear to them who have survived.”

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring women-only series of 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events which raise millions of pounds every year to help fund life-saving research.

Last year, 9,546 women took part in Race for Life in Devon and raised a fantastic £434,804. This year, organisers need 13,300 women and girls to stride out to help raise £609,000.

Cancer Research UK receives no Government funding for its ground-breaking work but with help from the people of Devon the charity intends to beat cancer sooner.

85 people are diagnosed with cancer in the South West every day*. Cancer survival rates have doubled since the 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress, however more funds and more supporters are needed to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.