A FITNESS fanatic is urging those who took part in the Race for Life to collect their cash.

Beki Gerrard recently won the award Fitness Instructor of the Year from Bolton Council, led the aerobic warm-up at Race for Life Bolton 2013 and is a keen supporter of Cancer Research UK.

Ms Gerrard knows only too well the impact cancer can have after losing her own step-dad Tony Sarens to cancer in August this year.

Her loss has made her determined to encourage the 1,700 women who entered the event at Leverhulme Park on Sunday, July 7, to collect their sponsorship money.

So far the charity has collected £82,000 from the Bolton event but is yet to hit the £105,000 target.

The 27-year-old, of Waters Meeting Road, said: “Now the big day is over, please help Cancer Research UK by taking one vital last step and returning the money you’ve raised so it can fund research to help more men, women and children survive cancer. Returning the money you raised will make the amazing effort you put in on the day at Race for Life count.”

Cancer Research UK relies on money raised through Race for Life to fund life-saving research, much of which takes place in the North West.

Liz Booth, Race for Life event manager for the North West, said: “Race for Life in Bolton was a fantastic event. We want to say a heart-felt thanks to everyone who took part or supported our participants, as well as the wonderful volunteers who helped make it happen.

“Already the generosity of local people has raised an amazing £82,000 from the Bolton event, but we still have a bit of way to go to reach our target of £105,000.

“Last year, a third of the women who took part didn’t return any sponsorship money. Without this money, Race for Life can’t fund all the research that’s needed to help save more lives. As the number of people diagnosed with cancer in the North West continues to rise, we need the support of local people now more than ever.

“So we’re asking everyone to make every effort to return their sponsorship money. It can be paid in online, by phone or by cheque.”

For information on returning money, visit raceforlife.org