A PRESTON fitness instructor is on the run for the sixth time as she trains and recruits women for this year's Race For Life at Preston Sports Arena on Sunday May 26.

Anne Blydgen, 31, works as a Rosemary Conley fitness instructor and holds classes around Preston throughout the week.

After losing a cousin and an aunt to cancer she became motivated to raise money for Cancer Research UK by running.

Anne, from Blackpool, said that last year her team members from her classes in Preston raised more than £2,000 for the charity and this year she hopes to top that.

"It's a great day out. The camaraderie is amazing and everyone is either running in memory of someone or in celebration of a survivor. People wear tabards on their back and as you make your way around the course it is quite overwhelming," said Anne.

The determined trainer lost five stone when she decided to take up aerobics and encourages others to keep fit by eating a sensible diet and exercising.

"I was 17 stone and many of the people that join my classes have had heart problems or high blood pressure. The classes are gentle and aim to help people build up their fitness levels. If my members take part in the Race for Life they don't have to sprint their way around," she said.

Members of the Rosemary Conley franchise will be joining in from the classes where Anne teaches -- at the University of Central Lancashire, St Mary Magdalene's RC Church in Leyland Road, Penwortham and New Longton Methodist Church.

Accoding to Anne people should begin training gently. "There is no point running the moment you set foot out of the door, begin by walking to the first lamppost, then run to the next and alternate until you are stronger. Then you can run for two lampposts," she said.

To sponsor Anne or to join her team you can call her on 01253 763998. If you want to apply for Race for Life on Sunday, May 26, call in to The Citizen on Chapel Street and pick up a form. If you are taking part call us on 255532 and The Citizen will promote you.