A GROUP of women gathered calling for a fight in the centre of Worcester on Saturday.

But rather than causing trouble, the gang was generating support for the battle against cancer.

The pink army of women, some survivors of cancer, were launching this year’s Race for Life event.

The popular 5km run see’s thousands of women taking to the streets of Worcester, joining hundreds of thousands across the country, to raise money for Cancer Research.

Jo Siddles, of Warndon Villages, Worcester, was one of the crowd of ladies encouraging passers by to take part in the race on Sunday, June 16, and help to beat cancer.

The 40-year-old was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago, but says she is one of the lucky ones as she is now free of the life threatening disease.

She said: “The day I signed up for Race for Life was the day I buried a good friend of mine, who died of complications from breast cancer.

“Now I am very passionate about it. “The important thing to realise is it is about us doing it for future generations. I am doing this for my daughter and her children.”

This year’s moto is ‘cancer, we’re coming to get you’ and Kelly Rumble, Cancer Research UK’s West Midlands events manager, said she hoped 4,000 women would take part in Worcester this year and help raise the target of £185,000 towards vital research.

She said: “We are all here together rallying throughout the town and painting it pink. “We want as many women as possible to sign up for the Race for Life and help us beat cancer.”

The course for 2013 starts at Worcester racecourse and takes participants around Pitchcroft Park, leading out onto streets, a new route around HIVE building before finishing in Angel Place.

Ms Rumble added: “It’s not about being fit or fast. Most women are able to walk 5k in an hour while chatting and having fun. Or they can choose to jog, run or even dance around the course if they prefer.

“Participants may be decked out in pink or fancy dress but what’s inescapable is the power and strength that comes from thousands of women joining together to confront cancer.”

To enter Worcester Race for Life today visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050.