WIRRAL actress Suzanne Collins is urging Globe readers to sign up for horse-themed running event in aid of cancer charities.

Canter for Cancer, taking place at Aintree racecourse on March 6, will raise money for North West cancer research and Liverpool-based health charities.

Racegoers will wear novelty horse's heads as they make their way around the 5K course.

Oxton-based Suzanne Collins, who lost her dad to lung cancer three years ago, said: "Cancer touches the lives of all of us.

"My dad recently passed away after battling lung cancer and so many others of my friends and family have been affected by it.

"Cancer research is so important if we are to ever move forward and beat this killer disease, which is why I am proud to have been asked to support North West Cancer Research and its Canter for Cancer event.

"It's such a fun idea and a great way to unite everyone in a common cause all while raising funds for cancer research.

"I've got lots of my friends and family interested in signing up already and my daughter Mya has already said she will run the Only Foals and Horses event, with her friends which she’ll do in memory of her grandad."

Wirral Globe:

Anne Jackson and Suzanne Collins during lauch of Canter for cancer fundraising event at Aintree racecourse

Anne Jackson, chief executive of North West Cancer Research, said: “This is the largest fundraising event we’ve ever held and we look forward to Canter for Cancer becoming North West Cancer Research’s flagship fundraising event.

"It offers something fun for all the family – especially with our novelty horses heads.

"Support from Liverpool FC Foundation and The Jockey Club, who have offered us Aintree Racecourse, has been fantastic and will help us raise awareness of the importance of cancer research among as many people as possible.

"Cancer sadly affects every single one of us.  It is one of the biggest killers in Liverpool.

"The good news is that today, for the first time ever half of all people diagnosed with cancer in the UK will survive - which is why research is so important."

Registration for Canter for Cancer is now open at www.nwcr.org