A WOMAN'S inspirational battle with cancer is featured in a new campaign encouraging people to take part in this year's Wirral Race For Life.

Debbie Layfield's story is told on a giant wall in Birkenhead Park, which hosts Pretty Muddy on June 29 and Race for Life on June 30.

Her personal story and motivation behind participation in the annual event is displayed on a giant back sign at the Birkenhead Park Visitor Centre – like the signs worn by participants on their backs and a key element of both the events and this year's campaign.

The wall is designed to mirror the hugely emotional reflection area set up on event day, where participants 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.

Debbie, charity champion at Tesco in Bidston, will also feature in a social media campaign with posts on the Cancer Research UK’s North West Events Twitter account (@CRUKEventsNW).

When asked what Race for Life events mean to her, Debbie said: "My younger brother passed away to cancer at the young age of 18 and I lost my Dad, Grandad and two of my closest friends at such a young age."

She continued: "Then I, myself, received the dreadful news that I had cancer.

"I was very sick and lost my hair during my treatment, but I knew I had to fight it - I had three children and a grandchild that needed me, so I fought and fought to get through each day".

To those who have not yet signed up, she urges them to do so, adding: "for each person that signs up we are one step closer to a cure!"

Polly O'Gorman, Cancer Research UK's Wirral event manager, said: "We're very grateful to Debbie for her support with this campaign.

"By following Debbie's lead and joining the Race for Life in Wirral, people can make a real difference in the fight against cancer.”

"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."

Polly 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.

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.

This year, for the first time, Cancer Research UK is inviting everyone – women, men and children – to join the Race for Life.

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