HUNDREDS of people are set to descend on a Colchester park this weekend in a bid to raise awareness from charity.

Castle Park is set to be the scene of this year’s Race for Life charity run.

The lower park will see hundreds of people congregate for the five kilometre run which aims to get underway from 11am today.

Coming to Colchester this Sunday, the run aims to raise awareness for Cancer Research UK.

Every year around 37,300 people are diagnosed with cancer in the East of England and one in two people in the UK born after 1960 will get cancer in their lifetime. 

Money raised at Race for Life enables scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer - helping to save more lives.

Race for Life events are open to women, men and children of all ages and abilities.

Michael Jarvis, Cancer Research UK’s spokesman in the East of England, said: “Sadly, cancer affects all of us in some way.

“Whether people are living with cancer, taking part in honour of or in memory of a loved one with cancer, or signing up to protect their own children’s future, everyone has a reason to Race for Life.

“Our Race for Life events are open to all.

“For some people the Race for Life is literally a walk in the park. Slow and steady still wins.

“For others it’s a jog. Others may opt to push themselves harder.

“But what is for certain is we’re looking forward to welcoming people of all ages and abilities.

“Race for Life will be fun, emotional, colourful, uplifting and unforgettable this year.”

This years event will see Race for Life partner with Tesco.

Oonagh Turnbull, Head of Health Campaigns at Tesco, added: “This will be our 21st year in partnership with Cancer Research UK and Race for Life, and we hope this year can be the biggest yet.”

For more information go to raceforlife.org, where people can also sign up.