THOUSANDS of women, each with a unique reason for taking part, will soon be in training throughout Herefordshire for this year's Race for Life.

Held in aid of Cancer Research UK and supported by Tesco, this is the third time Hereford has hosted the event.

Individuals and teams, young and old, will be lining up under starter's orders on July 10, all running with enthusiasm and determination to raise money to fund research into cancer, a disease that will affect one in three people.

Taking to the course in Hereford is becoming an annual outing for some of allpay.net's female staff, who are currently putting in the training hours at the company's gym.

The date of this year's race is particularly poignant for one member of the team, bistro manager Julie Brelsforth.

"Ironically, it will be two years to the day that my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer," she explains.

Last year was Julie's first Race for Life and it was an emotional occasion.

"My mother had been through so much and it was the least I could do."

Julie's mother, Barbara Hatherell, who has now been given the all-clear, will be cheering from the sidelines on the big day.

Joining the allpay.net team in their preparations recently was clinical foot health practitioner Ian Kirby, who will be on hand on race day to help with any foot problems.

"If people are sensible, they shouldn't have any problems," says Ian, who offered the allpay.net girls some good advice.

"The worst thing to do is buy new trainers for Race for Life - wear the ones your feet are used to and you'll avoid trouble."

Last year, allpay.net raised £1,500 in sponsorship - this year's 40-strong team is hoping to beat that.

Anyone who would like to sponsor them or make a donation to Cancer Research UK can call 0870 243 3434.