PAT REED is living proof that you are never too old to get into shape.

The 58-year-old started going to the gym when she retired eight years ago - and her fitness is going from strength to strength.

She has taken part in each Race For Life event in York - and this year is determined to beat last year's time of 45 minutes to complete the 5km (three mile) course around Knavesmire.

York's first Race For Life took place in 1998 when just 348 women took part. Last year, almost 3,000 women ran or walked around Knavesmire, raising £130,000 for cancer research.

Organisers hope 4,000 women will take part in the York event on May 19 at 11am, and raise at least £150,000 for the UK's leading cancer research charity, Cancer Research UK.

Pat's target is to complete the race in under 40 minutes. To achieve this she has been training at Courtney's gym.

Until she retired from her job at Rowntree's eight years ago, Pat had never been to a gym. She said: "I started going to exercise classes as a bit of a hobby. I began by going to classes for the over 50s, then as my confidence grew I moved on to step, body pump, core training and aqua fit."

Pat had never tried running until she signed up for Race For Life. Now she is training for the big day and hopes not only to beat last year's time but raise more sponsorship money too.

The cause - raising funds to beat cancer - is one she holds dear.

She said: "My daughter Tracy is a scientist and works in cancer research. Also, I have lost two aunties to cancer: Kath Nicholson in 1998 and Gladies Megson who died on her birthday in February this year."

And she is encouraging other women to sign up for the event - one of 100 seeking to raise £12 million to help beat cancer.

Pat said: "It's a rare opportunity for women to help women. It's an amazing day and a fantastic feeling when you cross the finishing line."

Race organiser Dave Martin encouraged women to make sure the York event is the biggest yet.

He said: "No one can enter on the day, so it is really important that people enter by calling the hotline or through the Internet.

"We are getting 6,000 calls a day, so the phone lines are busy. The best time to call is before 9am or between 6pm-8pm."

To sign up for Race For Life telephone 08705 134 314 or log on to www.raceforlife.co.uk

The entry fee is £7.50 or £4.50 for girls under 18.

Win the race number 2002

RACE For Life organisers have donated the race number 2002 for one lucky Evening Press reader to wear during the York event on May 19.

It will be awarded to the reader with the best story of why they are taking part in the event.

Please tell us your story and help encourage other women to sign up for Race For Life and make the York event a record-breaker.

Contact: Maxine Gordon or Emma Harrison on 01904 653051 or email: maxine.gordon@ycp.co.uk or emma.harrison@ycp.co.uk

Updated: 12:53 Tuesday, May 07, 2002