Kingsbridge

A Kingsbridge woman is taking part in her very first Cancer Research UK Race for Life in Plymouth this summer.

Natasha Heard, from Crispin Road, will run the 5k distance whilst also raising money to help beat cancer.

The 22-year-old, who is currently studying BA Media Arts at Plymouth University, is doing much of her training in the gym at Quayside Leisure Centre.

"I'm entering the Race For Life to hopefully make a difference to the lives of everyone," says Natasha, a former Kingsbridge Community College student.

Natasha Heard: "I think every person has been affected by cancer or knows someone who has and by raising money I hope to make a contribution and to lower the number of people affected."

"I think every person has been affected by cancer or knows someone who has and by raising money I hope to make a contribution and to lower the number of people affected.

"There is no cure for cancer but if I can help to find more effective treatments by raising some money just by walking, jogging or running 5km, then I will."

Her goal is to run the 5k distance in less than half an hour and raise at least £75 for the charity.

Tasha's two sisters, Kristy and Sian, have also entered the Race for Life event in Plymouth on June 8.

Race for Life, which began in 1994, is now the biggest women-only fundraising event in the UK, with every pound raised in sponsorship going towards furthering Cancer Research UK's ground-breaking work.

This includes the scientists, doctors and nurses who work tirelessly to find new treatments for the disease.

Race for Life events are open to women of all levels of fitness. There is no prize for first place and almost half the participants choose to walk the course.

In 2007, around 665,000 women took part in 280 venues across the UK between May and July.

If you would like to sponsor Natasha, visit www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/natashaheard.