The E W Beard team taking part in the Race for Life Picture Ref: 77695-3THERE are only three days to go before Lydiard Park is filled with 6,000 women.

This year's Cancer Research UK Race for Life is taking place on Saturday and Sunday.

And ten employees from E W Beard, a Dorcan-based building contractors, are getting together to raise as much money as possible.

Joanne Britton, PA to the managing director, has organised the team to run the 5km race.

This is the third time the company has taken part in the women-only fundraiser.

The 33-year-old said: "This year we've got a bigger team than ever. There are 17 of us in total and ten of us are from work.

"What's even better is that this year there are enough of us to enter as an official team."

Three years ago, Mrs Britton had never run anywhere before let alone taken part in a race and she had to walk around the course the first time.

But entering the race has given her an incentive to lace up her running shoes and hit the road on the regular basis.

She said: "It was hard to start but I've kept it up.

I've been training about three times a week.

"I really enjoy the running and getting out into the fresh air.

"Last year I completed the race in 31 minutes so this year I'm hoping to finish in 30."

But not everyone has to run and there will be lots of women taking a more leisurely pace.

Last year the E W Beard team raised £440 but Mrs Britton is confident her team will be able to raise more than £600 this time.

The overall target for Swindon is £390,000, which will contribute to a UK total of £23m.

This year the race had to be extended over a weekend because so many women wanted to take part.

One of the most striking things about the race is how it brings together women who have had personal experiences of cancer.

Each runner can dedicate the race to someone they have lost and attach a message to their back.

Mrs Britton said: "You don't realise how touching it is until you see it.

"There are so many young girls there with messages about their mums. It's so sad but it makes you realise why you are running. It's such a good cause."

Karina Morgan, race organiser, said: "We're delighted at the support Swindon's women have shown Cancer Research UK's Race for Life, supported by Tesco.

"We have many teams taking part in the race such as E W Beard and are extremely grateful for their efforts."

She added: "Remember, the race isn't over once you have crossed the finish line. The money that you raise plays a vital role in helping to make advances in preventing, treating and curing cancer.

"Your race entry fee covers the cost of organising and participating in the race, but it is the money you raise that actually goes towards Cancer Research UK's life-saving work."

The charity still needs volunteers to attend on the day to help hand out water, medals and goody bags.

If you want to help contact Karina Morgan on 01793 882621.