Cancer Research UK is calling on runners of all abilities to take part in their latest fundraising initiative.

The charity is taking its UK10 series to Kingston Lacy, near Wimborne, on Sunday, October 30.

Organisers hope the 1,000 participants will raise £55,000 for the cancer charity.

So far 339 have registered for the 10km run and it is hoped that more will enter soon.

The course takes runners on one lap around the grounds of the stately home.

This year Cancer Research is staging 25 10km runs in September and October. The event is sponsored by Tesco.

Money raised will help find new ways to treat, cure and prevent cancer.

The runs are open to men and woman of all running abilities and it is hoped that more than 30,000 will take part nationwide to help raise £2.3million.

Cancer is the cause of a quarter of all deaths in the UK - around 155,000 people die from it each year. There are more than 200 different types of cancers and at least one in three people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives.

Hannah Wilding, of Cancer Research UK, said: "These events are always a highlight of our running calendar and promise to be a wonderful day out for all. Kingston Lacy has been chosen because of its stunning scenery that is usually off-limits to members of the public.

"It's a great opportunity to take some exercise in Kingston Lacy's beautiful landscaped gardens while raising vital funds for Cancer Research UK at the same time.

"I would urge anyone thinking of taking part to sign up now to avoid disappointment as places go fast."

The only way to enter the race is via website www. cancerresearchuk10.co.uk. Entry is £17.50 but includes a t-shirt.

Are you taking part in the run and have been affected in some way by cancer? If so, contact the Echo on 411344 or email paula.roberts@ bournemouthecho.co.uk.

First published: August 11, 2005