A WIRRAL doctor is encouraging Globe readers to sign up for this year's Cancer Research UK Race for Life.

Melanie Oates, 41, from Wallasey, knows the full impact of the money raised by Race for Life. She works for Cancer Research UK's Liverpool Cancer Trials Unit as a Biobank Manager.

On Wednesday Dr Oates, who will run the Race for Life at Aintree on Sunday June 26, posed with Liverpool's iconic superlambanana which has been painted pink to mark the countdown to Race for Life season.

She said: "I see first-hand just how vital the money raised by Race for Life events are to Cancer Research UK.

"More people are now surviving cancer thanks to the work of Cancer Research UK, which in turn relies on everyone who raises money through Race for Life."

The event raises millions every year for life-saving research into all cancers – helping men, women and children across the North West.

It only takes an hour for most women to walk the 5k route at Race for Life – in the same time around four people will be diagnosed with cancer in the North West.

Race for Life events are being held all over Merseyside and Cheshire in May, June and July.

Meanwhile, 1710 people have signed up for the Wirral Race for Life in Birkenhead Park, which takes place on Sunday, July 10, starting at 11am.

Lisa Corkhill, race organiser for Cancer research UK, told the Globe: "Compared with the 1551 who had registered last year, the number signed up for the Wirral event so far is looking good.

"But we need to boost this figure as much as we can and get everyone signed up we can. We would love to get to that magical 5000 ladies at Wirral.

"I was at the park at the weekend and it looked so pretty in the sunshine, people just don't realise what a beautiful park it is."

To enter Race for Life, log onto www.raceforlife.org (see website in related link section below this article) or call 0871 641 1111.