A SUPERMARKET turned pink for the day as a way of encouraging women to participate in this year’s Race for Life event.

Staff at Tesco, in Chineham, swapped their usual uniform for pink clothes to drum up support for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life Basingstoke, which takes place at Down Grange Sports Complex, on Wednesday, June 18.

The annual event sees women unite to raise vital funds for the charity by walking, jogging or running their way around a 5km or 10km course.

Julie Shepherd, community champion at Tesco, in Chineham, said: “I’m so pleased that all the staff went the extra mile to get involved.

“Even the men made the effort with pink shirts and ties.

“We hope we can inspire women to join in the fun and enter their local Race for Life event.

“Cancer touches so many of us, and we get involved as a store in tribute to those we have loved and lost as well as those who are still fighting on.

“That’s why we want to do everything we can to motivate women to power up the pink and show cancer who’s boss.”

Lea Blake, Race for Life South East events manager, said: “We’d like to thank the Tesco staff for getting involved, and turning the store pink for the day.

“We can’t wait to cheer their team and all the other thousands of ladies over the finish line on the day.”

Last year, 2,800 women took part in Race for Life Basingstoke, raising £184,615 for Cancer Research UK.

Lea added: “It doesn’t matter how fast you are. Taking part is about joining together against a disease that affects all of us.

“You can walk, run, dance or hula hoop on the course, so we urge local ladies to take the first step by signing up today.”

To enter the Basingstoke Race for Life, visit racefor life.org or call 0845 600 6050.