WOMEN across Ryedale will be running, walking and dancing this weekend as they take part in the annual Race for Life.

Held at the Knavesmire in York, the event will see thousands of women take part in 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events on Saturday and Sunday.

Among those taking part is 11-year-old Levi Pettit, the sister of Harvey Pettit from Norton, who died last year after suffering a chest infection brought on by complications following a bone marrow transplant at the age of 20.

She will be joined by Harvey's girlfriend Holly Kneeshaw, who also lives in Norton.

Holly, who is 21, said losing Harvey had been a devastating experience.

"I didn't just lose my boyfriend, I lost my best friend, my go to person, my better half, my soulmate.....my iron man," she said.

"He is always going to mean so much to me and be a big part of my life no matter what the future brings, and he was an inspiration to me and so many other people and will continue to be just that no matter what.

"Harvey's inspired me to complete this race, when asked to do it with his little sister Levi. So we are raising money together and going to complete this race whether we walk, run, jog, skip or whatever and we're going to have fun doing it."

To sponsor Holly and Levi, go to justgiving.com/Hollyyrebekah/

Also taking part are staff from Number One Health and Beauty and Sarah Clark from Interiors at Nine to Eleven.

Sarah GreenHough, from Number One, said: "We try and support three charities per year and this year we decided do the Race for Life as cancer seems to touch most people.

"We felt that the event was a fun way of helping to raise lots of money and even have some clients who are doing the race with us, so it really is a team affair."

To sponsor Number One, go to justgiving.com/numberoneteam/

Angela Kirkham, fromKirkham Henry Performing Arts Centre, in Malton, said a team of about 40 teachers and pupils were taking part in the York Race for Life.

"Many of those taking part have been affected by cancer," she said.

"Our team is called Dance for Life and we are dancing around the course so we can accommodate all age groups and fitness levels in out team."

To sponsor the team, go to justgiving.com/teams/dance-for-life

A team of eight women from Sinnington have also signed up for the event and have already started their fundraising with a coffee morning, barbecue and quiz night.

One member of Team Sinn went a step further by having her head shaved to raise further funds.

Julie Flanagan, who is noted for her distinctive wavy locks, said she wanted to do the challenge in support of all cancer sufferers.

“Like everyone in our team, I have family and friends who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments and it seemed a small sacrifice to make," she said.

Her husband Gerry made the first cut as regulars at the Sun Inn, in Pickering, where the charity event was held, queued up to take over the scissors in return for a donation.

Julie has so far raised £560, while the total raised to date by the team, who are aged from 16 to 60, is £1,260.

To sponsor Team Sinn, go to justgiving.com/karenselby6/

Philippa Sharpe, from Cancer Research UK, which organises the Race for Life, said they were absolutely thrilled that so many women have entered Race for Life events in York.

“Race for Life is not competitive and it’s not about being fit or fast. You can walk, jog, or run around the course if you like, because these events are all about the feel-good factor," she said.

There will also be a "donation station" at the event for clothes, books and accessories that can be sold to raise more money for Cancer Research UK.

Entries closes tomorrow (Thursday) to sign up visit raceforlife.org or phone 0300 1230770.