High heels were swapped for trainers when a fundraising Race for Life was launched, writes Karen Rosine.

Oxford Lord Mayor Carole Roberts kicked off the city's Race for Life, to raise money for cancer research.

The Race for Life is a nationwide initiative organised by the Imperial Cancer Research Fund. All the money raised from the 5km sponsored run and walk - only open to women - will go towards funding pioneering research into cancers that affect women.

Cllr Roberts, who is to take part in the Oxford event on June 27 walking the route, urged women to take part in the event. She said: "Why not take the stairs instead of the lift, walk instead of taking the bus and get ready for this fun event!" Cllr Roberts was joined at the launch by Lisa Randall, 25, of Bear Close, Woodstock and her future mother-in-law Margaret Bishop, 59, of Briar Thicket, Woodstock - who are among the first to enter the Oxford event.

Lisa said: "We are making it a family affair and other members will be joining us - it is something we really want to do because cancer has affected someone close to us all."

This is the fourth year the Race for Life has been held in Oxford.

Story date: Saturday 10 April

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