A group of energetic women got into the groove in Bradford yesterday to inspire people to sign up for Race for Life events.

Members of Bradford and Ilkley Rosemary Conley groups and the Yorkshire Race for Life team stopped shoppers at Kirkgate Shopping Centre, and invited them to join in with their ‘Cancer Slam’ dance.

The idea behind the initiative was to motivate people to sign up for the Cancer Research UK Race for Life days in Lister Park, Bradford, on Sunday, June 9, and at East Holmes Field, Ilkley, on Sunday, July 14.

Capturing the energy and spirit of Race for Life, the Cancer Slam has been created to bring the indescribable power and emotion of the women-only events to life.

The Cancer Slam will be performed by thousands of women as part of the rousing warm-up at 230 run venues around the UK this summer.

A video showing how to do the dance steps is available online so participants can practice ahead of their events.

Caroline Harris, of Bingley, who runs the Rosemary and Conley Diet & Fitness Clubs for Shipley, Ilkley and Bingley, took part in the event yesterday.

She said: “We’ve had great fun learning to do the Cancer Slam. Cancer touches so many people. That’s why we feel so passionately about rallying women of all ages to the cause.

“We want to help kick cancer into touch by taking part in Race for Life and raising as much money as possible to help save lives.”

Every hour, about three people are diagnosed with cancer in Yorkshire and Humberside.

For Karen Firth, who also took part in the dance yesterday, said: “I suffered from cancer myself about eight years ago so this charity means a lot to me personally. I just hope people will join in any of the Race for Life events to support this fantastic cause.”

Last year 3,157 took part in the Bradford and Ilkley events and helped raise £156,576 for vital research.

Philippa Sharpe, Race for Life event manager for West Yorkshire, said: “The Cancer Slam is a fun and eye-catching way to demonstrate the energy and emotion of Race for Life, which is so tangible at our events but almost impossible to put into words for people who have never taken part before.”

Visit raceforlife.org for more information on how to sign up.