Running shoes at the ready (From Salisbury Journal)

Running shoes at the ready

12:56pm Thursday 12th February 2009 in Health

THE race is on to sign up for this year’s Cancer Research UK Race for Life, which comes under starter’s orders in Salisbury on June 28.

Entries are being taken now for the 11am race, which will follow the same 5km course as last year, starting and finishing on Hudson’s Field.

Last year, 2,700 women walked, jogged or ran the event, raising an incredible £141,000.

There are up to 4,000 places available for the women-only race, which is being held for the seventh time in the city.

Cancer touches so many lives and, almost without exception, those who take part have a reason to be there.

They run for loved ones who are going through treatment, they run in memory of those lost to this terrible disease and they run in celebration of those who have come through.

How they get round the course is not important – it is taking part that counts.

Former South Wilts schoolgirl Hannah White is responsible for co-ordinating this year’s event in Salisbury Hannah, whose family still lives in Salisbury, said: “We hope that women of all ages, abilities, shapes and sizes will accept our invitation to do something amazing by taking part in Race for Life. 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.”

Every day, 80 people are diagnosed with cancer in the south-west region and 90 per cent of the UK’s population live within 30 miles of a Cancer Research UK funded research site. Patients in Salisbury have been recruited for a major clinical trial called COIN which compares two new treatment options for people with advanced bowel cancer.

Those entering the race in Salisbury will be among a total of 680,000 women from across the UK, taking part at more than 230 events between May and July. Cancer Research UK hopes that together they will raise a total of £60million to fund the charity’s life-saving work.

You can enter Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life at www.raceforlife.org or by calling 0871 641 2282.

• Qualified hypnotherapist Jo Davies is offering anyone participating in this year’s Race for Life – or any fundraising marathon event for a cancer charity – free sessions to help stiffen resolve and determination to get round the course and finish the race.

Hypnotherapy can also be used to give people relaxation techniques, help with goal setting and to boost resolve at a subconscious level.

Jo, 51, who runs the Carpe Diem clinic at 29a Castle Street is offering sessions on alternate Saturdays (some evening appointments may be possible) for individuals or groups.

“The Race for Life is only 5km but for some people, it is a major thing to do,” she said.

She added that it’s a good idea for small groups of girlfriends to come along because the sessions also act as a team building exercise. A session will last between half an hour and an hour.

If you want to find out more about it, contact Jo on 0797 0960944.