Women from all over Sussex are shaping up to run in one of the country's biggest fund-raising events.

Thousands of entrants will be running in this year's Race for Life at Stanmer Park, Brighton, on Sunday.

Nationally, Race for Life aims to raise £12 million for Cancer Research UK, with a total of £150,000 expected from the Brighton event.

Many of the runners have been affected by cancer.

A crew from Juice 107.2 will take part in the 5km run. Three of the women involved have helped a loved one cope with cancer.

DJ Emma Scott lost her father when he was 52. He died of kidney cancer seven months after being diagnosed.

Since then, Emma has thrown herself into fund-raising events, from parachuting to abseiling.

She has already raised £200 for Race for Life thanks to contributions from listeners.

Radio journalist Denise Hammick, also taking part in the race, helped her father pull through after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

She said: "It is important for us to do our bit to help fight this disease we are all affected by.

"Thankfully, my dad is clear of cancer at the moment but he suffered greatly through the operation. I want to raise this money to try to find another solution to curing cancer."

Account manager Nicola Johns will also take part in the race, with presenter Sarah Booker cheering on at the sidelines. Sarah's father is a survivor of bowel cancer.

Another team of women who know how devastating cancer can be is the Nuffield Babes.

The group of 15 nurses, pharmacists, radiographers, receptionists and housekeeping staff from the Sussex Nuffield Hospital in Woodingdean will be taking part. Between them, they hope to raise more than £1,000.

Ginny Darch, the Nuffield's marketing assistant and team leader of the Nuffield Babes, explained: "Working in a hospital means we see the terrible effects of cancer all too frequently and we are determined to raise as much money as possible for such a good cause.

"To encourage us even more, the hospital has promised a bottle of bubbly to the team member who raises the most!"

A total of 3,500 women will be taking part in Race for Life, which starts at 11am.

Elizabeth Cummings, Cancer Research UK's Race Organiser, said: "We are delighted Nuffield and other local businesses and individuals are supporting the event.

"In fact, we are already full to capacity with 3,500 entries but would welcome extra support on the day, either to hand out medals or simply to cheer on Brighton's brave women."

There is still time to sponsor those taking part. To donate money to the team from Juice 107.2, telephone 01273 386107.

For more information on supporting the event, call the Race for Life hotline on 08705 134314.