Halifax mums are urged to take part in this year's Race for Life

For the first time, grown-up sons will be able to take part alongside their mothers as Cancer Research UK opens up the Race for Life events to everyone.

Taking part in the Race for Life is a moving experience as people come together to remember loved ones lost to cancer, celebrate the lives of those dear to them who have survived or support those going through treatment.

Many people will be taking part in their local event alongside their mums, while others will be participating to honour their memory.

This year's Pretty Muddy event for Cancer Research will take place on Saturday, July 20 at Savile Park.

Simon Round, Cancer Research UK’s Halifax Event Manager, said: “We’re urging families in Halifax to make this Mother’s Day extra special by joining the Race for Life.

“Our Race for Life events are fun, colourful, emotional and uplifting. You don’t need to be sporty to take part. You don’t have to train, and you certainly don’t need to compete against anyone else. It’s a perfect example of everyday people doing an extraordinary thing – uniting in a common cause to beat cancer.”

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring series of 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.

Simon continued: “We encourage our participants to help raise money in whatever way they like – there are lots of ideas on the Race for Life website.

One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives, but the good news is more people are surviving the disease now than ever before.

Cancer survival in the UK has doubled since the early 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress.

To join Race for Life visit www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org or call 0300 123 0770.