A WOMEN-ONLY charity run which raises thousands of pounds for Cancer Research UK has been blasted as sexist by a North Yorkshire campaigner.

Veteran equality campaigner John Taylor, 67, of Norton, says that men should not be excluded from the Race For Life, which takes place at Knavesmire, in York, in May, and at different locations in the UK.

And he has taken his battle to the Equal Opportunities Commission.

Mr Taylor, whose daughter died of cancer two years ago, said he wants the event to expand to include men or, he said, a men-only race should be set up by the charity.

A spokeswoman for Cancer Research UK said that Cycle For Life - a 15-mile bike race starting at York Racecourse on July 6 - was open to the whole family as was a ten kilometre race at Castle Howard on October 5.

The spokeswoman said: "Race For Life started ten years ago specifically to raise awareness of women's cancers.

"It has remained a women-only event because of its huge popularity and its non-competitive atmosphere.

"Although only women can take part, we like men to come along and help on the sidelines, to look after the kids, cheer the women on and sponsor them. We are also always on the lookout for marshals.

"We are very sorry that Mr Taylor is unhappy that he can't take part, but there's lots of other things he can do."

Mr Taylor has written to the charity and also taken his battle to the Equal Opportunities Commission, which told him that it focused on employment, education, housing and provision of goods, facilities and services to the public and therefore could not get involved.

However Mr Taylor is appealing to the commission again and has pointed out that by providing refreshments, T-shirts and other items on the day the charity is providing a service.

Mr Taylor said: "I was very dissatisfied with that response and I have put my letter to them again for further consideration.

"I believe that all men should be allowed to participate in the same way as women.

"I wanted to participate last year and in fact I did walk around the course at York Race Course just for devilment.

"I was so annoyed that I wasn't able to participate.

"Men get cancer too and men are relatives and friends of women who get cancer. They want to do something to help so why are they denied?"

Valerie Flower, of Dringhouses, York, who started last year's Race For Life in York after winning an Evening Press competition, said she would support Mr Taylor's battle.

She said: "It was a fantastic day and the atmosphere was great, but I wouldn't object to men taking part. I don't really see why it is women only.

"I wouldn't mind men taking part, the more the merrier and we could raise more money."

Updated: 08:14 Tuesday, March 25, 2003