For the eighth year running, Tesco are very proud to be supporting Cancer Research UK's Race for Life 2009.

Last year, more than 687,000 ladies, including 18,162 Tesco staff, put on their trainers to walk, jog and run 5k in support of Cancer Research UK. Tesco hopes that 2009 is going to be Race for Life's biggest year yet, inspiring even more women across the UK to get active, have fun and raise money to help beat cancer.

Naomi Ryan, 37, from Mitcham in south London took part in Race for Life in Battersea in May last year. She intends to run again in 2009.

'My aunt, Denise Wall, was only 52 years old when she lost her battle against cancer of the kidney last October. It was a double blow as sadly my dad, Joseph, had been diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago at the age of 58. We were all devastated, especially my 11-year-old cousin, Charlie, who was left without his mum.

'The care they gave my aunt was second to none. I realised I wanted to do something to help beat this disease, so I decided to take part in Race for Life.'The care they gave my aunt was second to none. I realised I wanted to do something to help beat this disease, so I decided to take part in Race for Life.'

'The thing that struck me was how many people turned up. Reading some of the heartrending messages on people's back signs made me realise how cancer affects so many of our lives. The atmosphere on the day was one of fun and camaraderie.

'Fundraising events like Race for Life are crucial in supporting the work that Cancer Research UK carries out. It's good to be able to raise awareness and prevent other families losing loved ones in the future.'

You don't have to be a runner to take part in Race for Life, walking the 5k course is just as rewarding, or you can sponsor a friend.

To find out how you can get involved, visit www.raceforlife.org/tesco

England's rising football stars

Since its launch in June 2007, The FA Tesco Skills Programme has coached nearly 750,000 fledgling footballers across England. And the scheme has proved so popular with kids across the country that The FA, in conjunction with Tesco, has introduced another 24 coaches to cope with the demand, bringing the total number of coaches to 90.

Skills Coaches run sessions in schools, football clubs, holiday camps and after school Skills Centres. Sir Terry Leahy, CEO of Tesco, is a huge supporter of the scheme, 'Being a massive football fan, I'm delighted we have been working with The FA at a local community level. It has proved a hit, both with boys and girls, encouraging them to get active, have fun and enjoy football.'

The FA's director of football development, Sir Trevor Brooking, agrees. 'Along with Tesco and Sport England, we really feel we can make a difference to the technical skills levels of young players in this country.'

And teachers and children across England have also given the thumbs up to the scheme. Michelle Moss, a teacher at Heston Junior School in Middlesex, tells us, 'getting involved with FA Skills has made lessons more enjoyable for the children'.

With the programme's aim to get over one million young people involved in grass roots football, taking part in The FA Tesco Skills Programme couldn't be easier.

Kids can try out one of the challenges, as demonstrated by England footie hero Frank Lampard, on the website. For more details see www.TheFA.com/Skills