ORGANISERS of Cancer Research UK's Race for Life have put out a call for the ‘SAS' to help them at this year's events through June and July.

But the ‘SAS' being sought by Race for Life is the Special Action Squad - a unique team made up of ordinary local men, women and groups who want to volunteer their time and energy to help make the day a huge success.

Cancer Research UK's Race for Life is the UK's largest women-only fundraising event series. Women of all ages and fitness levels are invited to come together to walk, jog or run 5k to raise money to help beat cancer.

Helen Webster, event manager for Cancer Research UK in South Yorkshire, said: "It's not just the 14,000 women who take part in the Sheffield, Doncaster and Rotherham Race for Life's who are important to us. Our Special Action Squad of volunteers plays a crucial role - without them the event simply wouldn't happen.

"Putting on a Race for Life event is a bit like a military operation which starts long before the first participants arrive and ends long after the last one crosses the finish line.
"There is a huge variety of important tasks that need to be done, including setting up the 5k course and main event area; marshalling the course; assisting in the information marquee and handing out water, goody bags and medals at the finish.

"The only thing our Race for Life ‘SAS' will be helping to fight is cancer - which will affect one in three people in the UK at some stage in their lives. And all that is needed to join our squad is enthusiasm and dedication."

Everyone is welcome - men and women of all ages and abilities. And volunteers don't even have to know someone who is taking part in the event. By simply joining Race for Life's ‘SAS' and doing their bit they will be making a big difference to people affected by cancer.

Cancer Research UK staff will be there on the day to brief, guide and support volunteers and everyone who signs up for the ‘SAS' will receive a special t-shirt to wear on the day.
Helen Webster added: "We can guarantee volunteers a fun, inspiring and rewarding experience. They'll get a buzz from helping to deliver a successful event as part of a great team of like-minded people from across the local community. And they'll also pick-up organisational, communication and fundraising skills while enabling the thousands of women taking part to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK's pioneering work."

In 2008, 19,177 women took part in Race for Life in Sheffield, Doncaster and Rotherham and helped raise an incredible £995,110 for Cancer Research UK's live saving work. This year, Cancer Research UK hopes the 19,500 ladies who have already signed up will hit a fundraising target of £1,026,000.

Race for Life events in South Yorkshire take place on: Sunday 14th June in Sheffield / Sunday 28th June in Doncaster and Sunday 5th July in Rotherham.

Men and Women in South Yorkshire are invited to enrol to volunteer at Race for Life, by visiting www.raceforlife.org and clicking on ‘Support Race for Life' or by calling 0871 641 2282.