A WOMAN whose father died of cancer days before last year's Race for Life has been outside Worcester's Guildhall drumming up support for this summer's event.

Natalie Foster, aged 26, of Kempsey, took part in the 2007 race in memory of dad Bill, who lost his battle with cancer five days earlier.

Miss Foster was one of the first to sign up to this year's Cancer Research UK 5km race, which takes place at Pitchcroft Racecourse on Sunday, June 1, and hopes many more will follow.

She said: "For our family it was a very emotional day doing the race last year. When me and my sister and two friends crossed the line we then saw my mum and some other close friends finish soon after. That was quite a teary moment."

Last year she raised about £670 and hopes to do as well this time.

Miss Foster and other supporters gave out leaflets about the event in the city centre on Saturday.

Members of the public wrote messages of hope or remembrance on a "back-sign" - a sheet of paper pinned on to the backs of participants, explaining why they are taking part.

She said: "Each back-sign message reminds me that the reasons for wanting to beat cancer are very real and close to us all.

"I don't know anyone who hasn't been touched by cancer, either directly or indirectly, and reading the back-signs made me realise I am not alone in wanting to do something about it."

Organiser's hope this year's women-only event will attract 5,000 runners.

Area event manager Richard Brown said: "We have already handed out about 2,500 leaflets so if everyone who takes one joins up we are half way to getting to our target.

"It is great to see that people are coming up to us and asking about the event. We are looking forward to seeing lots of people do this in June. Worcester is the biggest Race for Life in the region which I think is something for the people of this city to be proud of."

To enter visit www.raceforlife.org/centralwest or call 0871 6412273.