Cancer Research UK will be bringing their Race for Life Battle HQ to High Chelmer Shopping Centre and Chelmsford High Street today to spread the word about their fundraising races. 

Women of all ages and fitness levels are being urged to take part in an event and to form their own 'pink army' for the 5km and 10km races being held in Hylands Park on Sunday, July 12. 

The Battle HQ will give shoppers the chance to try out face paint designs and nail art associated with thie year's events, try Race for Life tattoos and pull their best fight-face selfie in the Battle HQ tent. 

Courtney Culverhouse, Event Manager for Essex, said: “We’re bringing our Battle HQ to High Chelmer Shopping Centre and the High Street to give women of all ages a chance to experience the power and the passion of Race for Life and to find out what’s in store at our Chelmsford event in July.

"We hope it will motivate women of all shapes and sizes to sign up as soon as possible.”

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring women-only series of 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Marathon events which raises millions of pounds every year to help beat 200 different types of cancer.

Last year, 4,284 women in Chelmsford pulled on their trainers and put their heart and soul into raising £279,339 for life-saving research.

This year, organisers need 4,300 women and girls to stride out to help raise £295,000 to help save more lives.

Courtney said: “Every hour, more than 3 people are diagnosed with cancer in the East of England.

"That’s why we are calling on the brave ladies of Chelmsford to help make this year’s Race for Life our best ever.

"It doesn’t matter how fit or fast you are because Race for Life is not competitive.

"It’s about an army of women standing shoulder-to-shoulder, ready to take on cancer.

"With fire in their bellies and trainers at the ready, we know that Chelmsford’s ladies are up for the challenge.”

Money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists to advance research which is helping to save the lives of men, women and children across the UK.

Cancer survival rates have doubled since the 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress. But more funds and more supporters are needed to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

Courtney added: “Race for Life celebrates everyone who is with us and honours those who have lost their lives to cancer.

"The atmosphere is electric, our participants are so inspiring and we’re calling on the women of Chelmsford to help make 2015 our best year yet.”