A RESEARCH assistant at the University of Bradford's Institute of Cancer Therapeutics says funds raised for the Crocus Appeal by the Bradford City Runs are vital to pay for new equipment to further their work.

Organisers are hoping 1,000 runners will enter the race on Sunday, October 26, with around 100 taking part for the Telegraph & Argus Crocus Cancer Appeal.

Amanda Race works in the clinical trials pharmacology laboratory as a research assistant at the University of Bradford's Institute of Cancer Therapeutics (ICT) and knows first-hand where the cash raised for the Crocus Appeal will be spent.

Much of her work involves phase one trial PKPD laboratory support. It sees her test blood samples of cancer patients and make sure they are getting the correct dosage of drugs to treat them.

The institute's team of researchers are in the field of drug design, synthesis, screening and pharmacology.

The 35-year-old from Allerton has worked at the centre for the last ten years and will be taking part in the 10k race herself.

Most of their patients are based at St James's University Hospital in Leeds, across Yorkshire and Manchester.

This year's City Runs event includes a children's one-mile race, a 5k, a 10k and half-marathon.

All City Runs routes start and finish in City Park and all of the roads will be closed to traffic, offering runners and spectators a unique city centre event.

The event has been organised by Bradford Council and the Bradford Athletics Network (BAN).

The Crocus Appeal is aiming to raise £1 million to buy a new high-tech mass spectrometer for experts at the university's institute.

The state-of-the-art machine will allow scientists to understand the vital role that certain proteins play in the spread of cancerous cells - leading to the development of cancer medicines.

With a clearer understanding of which proteins enable cancer progression, scientists, including Amanda, will be able to design targeted cancer medicines.

A total of 40 per cent of all race fees will go to the appeal and a push to get 200 people running for the Crocus Cancer Appeal.

Ms Race said: "The new equipment is vital. It will allow us to look for smaller proteins.

"We are hoping the new mass spectrometer can give a personalised medical approach to each patient. All new drugs need testing before.

"Most of the phase one trials feature 40 patients.

"Most of the patients that are on this trial, conventional therapies have not worked.

"There are about 40 of us who work at the Institute."

Visit telegraphandargus.co.uk/cityruns to enter the race and tick the check box to say that you're running in aid of the Crocus Appeal.

People running for the Crocus Appeal will have exclusive use of the bar in Centenary Square where they can have a free sports massage and refreshments and a goody bag.