Published: Tuesday, 16th March, 2010 10:00am

Race is one for cancer charity night

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A SILENT disco will spur on fundraisers looping Ascot's world famous racecourse for 24 hours in the name of cancer research.

BBC News 24 newsreader and kidney cancer survivor Nicholas Owen and Fiona Castle, widow of Roy Castle, will officially open the third Cancer Research UK Relay for Life.

Rose Dalton, organising committee chairman, is urging teams of eight people or more to get involved and help beat last year's total of £118,967.

She said: "There's always a fantastic ambience.

"It's lovely at night with the grandstand and the rolling countryside in the background."

Berkshire Maestros youth orchestra will be among the live bands serenading teams as they run, walk or crawl around the 400metre track on Saturday, July 17, and Sunday, July 18.

The silent disco will be fed through headphones to keep people motivated overnight.

Retired social worker Mrs Dalton, 63, said: "Lots of people said they still wanted to be able to listen to music, while some want to walk quietly.

"We'll have lots of people boogying down the track, which should be quite fun."

Last year 42 teams took part, with 76 survivors doing the opening Lap of Honour and this summer Reading Scottish Pipe Band will lead the procession.

"It's a real celebration of life," Mrs Dalton said.

"Everyone applauds, and it's a real testament to why it's worth giving money.

"They are all here to tell the tale because of research, and it's so inspirational to the newly diagnosed."

There will also be a range of stalls, entertainment and activities for people of all ages.

She added: "There's something going on non-stop.

"It's for all ages - the whole family. Teams should be bigger if there are children or grannies who can't do so much of a share of the walking."

Email rosedalton@btinternet.com or call Mrs Dalton on 07799114868 to register a team or volunteer and for more information about the race and what it involves.