WOMEN who took part in this year’s Race for Life in Worcester are being urged to gather in their sponsorship money.

More than 3,000 charitable runners put their best feet forward for the event, at Pitchcroft on Sunday, June 16, to raise cash for Cancer Research UK.

Many were in fancy dress and wearing the names of loved ones who have been affected by cancer.

But the race itself is only half of the work – collecting the money and handing it in is also part of the challenge.

Retired music teacher Janet Burley is one of the 3,400 women who took part and she is urging others to send in the money.

The 65-year-old, of West Malvern Road, Malvern, raced for the first time this year after recovering from breast cancer.

The mother-of-two was diagnosed in September 2011 after a routine mammogram and had surgery and months of treatment, which was eventually successful.

“I wanted to take part in Race for Life last year but my oncologist thought it was too soon,” said Janet, whose elder son Simon is a Race for Life event manager.

“The moment I was told I had cancer was the worst of all. I was in shock but I quickly decided to just get on with it.

“If it weren’t for research I wouldn’t be here today so I wanted to take part as a thank you and to make sure more people like me can benefit from research in future.

“I know from experience that every penny really does count.”

Kelly Rumble, Race for Life event manager in Worcester, said: “Many people don’t realise that the entry fee only covers the cost of the event. It’s the sponsorship money that really makes a difference.”

Organisers are now urging women to sign up for the Race For Life Twilight event, which also takes place at Pitchcroft, on October 18.

It has a night-time twist and women are encouraged to sign up and join in by lighting up the sky with glow sticks, fairy lights and sparkly accessories.