Thousands of women will be putting on their running shoes this weekend to help find a cure for cancer.

The starting pistol for this year's Telegraph & Argus-backed Race For Life in Lister Park, Manningham, will raise vital cash for Cancer Research UK.

After a mass aerobics warm-up before each race, 4,000 females will run, walk or jog the 5km route.

For one of the runners - 66-year-old Barbara Clarke, of Lyndhurst Road, Brighouse - the race will be a time for celebration as well as a chance to honour memories of an old friend.

Mrs Clarke was diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago. After doctors at Huddersfield Infirmary discovered a microscopic tumour Mrs Clarke underwent two operations to completely remove her breast.

She said: "You just cannot tell anybody how the bottom of your world drops out because you think 'How can this happen to me?'

"Things go through your mind - your children, your grandchildren, your husband. You just have to carry on."

Mrs Clarke, who is running the race in memory of close family friend Terry Holbrook, 52, who died of cancer in October, will be cheered on by her husband, John, 67, their three sons and their seven grandsons.

And her daughter-in-law Sharon Clarke, 39, will be running alongside.

Mrs Clarke said: "There will be millions of pounds raised across the country, you feel as if you have to do your little bit.

"What the hospital has done for you, you feel as if you are putting back. Somebody will benefit from it."

Hundreds of similar events are taking place around the country but the challenge will be even bigger in Bradford, because it is the only place in the North of England to hold two events on the same day to cater for the large number of participants.

National events executive Katie Birkett, who is co-ordinating the events in Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cumbria and Scotland, said: "It is fantastic to get 2,000 women in one morning but to get 2,000 women in the afternoon as well is just amazing.

"It will be great to see so many women coming together to cure cancer faster."

Members of Baildon Ladies Circle will be giving up their time to help make sure the event runs smoothly but organisers still need volunteers to help out on the day.

Anyone able to give up a couple of hours should call (01756) 753962.