MORE than 1,600 women will take part in the Race for Life around Burnley’s Towneley Park this weekend to raise money to fight cancer.

Last year Burnley women raised £77,250 by running, walking, and jogging the 5k, with many taking part in the fun event after their lives were touched by the disease.

And organisers are confident that more cash can be raised this year.

Among those signed up for Sunday’s run are Claire Matthews, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in May 1999, at the age of 18.

Claire, 29, of Garnet Street, Barrowford, is now 29 and has made a full recovery.

She said: “The main reason I am running is to give something back after being successfully treated for cancer.

"I think more women should get involved with the run because it’s not like running a marathon, and it’s not about the speed you do it at.

“I will be running with my mum, who is 60, so we won’t exactly be running fast!”

Since her treatment, Claire has married her husband David and has a 22-month-old son, Toby.

This will be the third time Claire has run the Burnley 5k, which has increased in popularity in recent years.

The Race for Life is taking place across the UK and it is hoped around 700,000 women will come together to raise over £60million.

Claire said: “I really enjoy the event because it’s an enjoyable way to contribute something to Cancer Research UK.”

Two Race for Life events will also be held at Witton Park, Blackburn, on Wednesday, June 2, where 2,300 women will take part.

To support the event visit www.cancerresearchuk.org/donate