FUNDRAISERS went bananas in Runcorn Shopping Centre on Saturday to persuade women to sign up for a cancer charity run.

Dancers from Glenda Hill Theatreworks performed a defiant dance known as the ‘cancer slam’ with a pink gorilla.

It captured the energy and spirit of a women-only series of Race for Life events in aid of Cancer Research UK.

The first run is on Sunday, May 18 in Delamere Forest.

Event manager, Jennifer Ward said: “Our pink gorilla plays a starring role in Race for Life’s advertising campaign and features in our posters, flyers and website and we hope that she inspires people to sign up.

“Race for Life is an amazing way to celebrate life but also remember those who have been lost to the disease.

“Participants may be decked out in pink or wearing gorilla suits and fancy dress but what’s inescapable is the power and strength that comes from thousands of women joining together to confront cancer.”

Last year, 1667 women took part in Race for Life in Delamere and raised £100,949. This year, organisers need 2,200 women and girls to stride out to help raise £200,000.

Although the number of people being diagnosed with cancer is going up, survival rates have doubled since the 1970s.

Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress.

Thousands of men, women and children across the north west are alive today because of research.

Cancer Research UK receives no Government funding for its ground-breaking work but, with help from the people of the north west, the charity intends to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

Jennifer added: “More people in the north west are surviving cancer than ever before. But while we’re heading in the right direction, too many lives are still being lost to the disease. Sadly, most of us know someone whose life has been touched by cancer and this really brings home how much more work there is to do.

“Race for Life is non-competitive. It doesn’t matter how fit or fast you are. Taking part is about joining together against a disease that affects all of us.

“You can walk, run, or dance, so we urge local ladies to take the first step by signing up today.”

To enter Race for Life’s 5k, 10k or Pretty Muddy events visit raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050.