WIRRAL women are being urged by TV presenter Gloria Hunniford to enter this year's Race for Life.

So far, 2,200 have signed up for event in Birkenhead Park which takes place on Sunday, July 10, at 11am.

But its organisers hope 5000 women will take part, which means there are still 2,800 places to fill.

Gloria wants local women to enter the race, which raises funds for Cancer Research UK.

The race is close to Gloria's heart, because only daughter, Blue Peter presenter Caron Keating, died from breast cancer in 2004.

Gloria said: "Race for Life is an amazing women-only series of events which raises millions of pounds every year for life-saving research into all cancers helping men, women and children across the region.

"But this year there is a problem as recruitment is significantly down on women.

"And if fewer women take part, there will be less money to fund research, which in turn means fewer lives saved in the future.

"Girls, it only takes one hour to walk it. In that same period of time, four people will be diagnosed with cancer in the North West.

"Race for Life is very special to me and I know the same is true for so many people. Lots of women take part in memory or in celebration of loved ones whose lives have been touched by cancer, or to mark their own cancer journey.

"Their determination and passion creates a truly special atmosphere on the day which inspires everybody.

"It's now seven years since I lost my beautiful daughter Caron to cancer but even in this short period of time, treatments for the disease have improved so much. "I would urge every woman, no matter what age, fitness level or ability, to take part."

Women of all ages, shapes, sizes and abilities join together to walk, jog or run 5k to raise money to help beat cancer.

Lisa Corkhill, Cancer Research UK's co-ordinator of the Wirral event, said: "We are very grateful to all the women who have already entered Race for Life in the Wirral, but we urgently need many more.

"We are appealing to women and we hope they will hear our plea and register as soon as possible.

"Together, they will help us create a fantastic atmosphere on the day and every step they take will help doctors, nurses and scientists take major strides forward in research.

"We want to remind these women just how important their contribution is. One-in-three people are diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives and research is very expensive. "The only way we can beat the disease is with their help. So we are urging mums, grans, daughters, sisters, friends and work-mates to enter as soon as possible."

To enter, visit the Race For Life website, see related link section below this article, or call 0871 641 1111.