Liverpool-based financial services company Investec Wealth & Investment have been named as headline sponsors for the city’s first ever Canter for Cancer event.

North West Cancer Research’s Canter for Cancer, is a 5k fundraiser at Aintree Racecourse to raise money for cancer research in Liverpool. It will take place on Sunday March 6th 2016 and runners, walkers and gallopers will wear novelty horses heads as they make their way around the course.

Investec Wealth & Investment have agreed to be the events headline sponsors, after recognising the charities efforts to support vital cancer research in Liverpool and the North West.

Organisers hope that around 3,000 people will take part in the inaugural race.

The charity which has a base at the University of Liverpool has committed to funding more than £11.2 million worth of research over the next five years – £7.7 million of which will be spent in Liverpool.

Ian Bakewell, Senior Investment Director at Investec Wealth & Investment said:

“We are delighted to be supporting North West Cancer Research’s inaugural Canter for Cancer event.

“It’s a great opportunity for people to come together, have some fun and raise money for cancer research which will directly benefit people living in Liverpool and the North West.

“As Investec Wealth & Investment supports a variety of charities and organisations throughout the UK, it is important that the organisations we support share our core values. North West Cancer Research has demonstrated a long-term commitment to funding cancer research in the region and we are pleased to be able to support them in this.

“We are really looking forward to being a part of this event and will be encouraging as many of our staff to sign up and help the charity say neigh to cancer.”

Headline sponsors Investec Wealth & Investment is one of the UK’s leading investment management companies, with responsibility for £26.4 billion of client assets. It has been trusted to meet the needs of private investors for almost 200 years.

Investec Wealth & Investment has 15 offices throughout the UK, including Old Hall Street in Liverpool as well as Bath, Belfast, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Cheltenham, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Guildford, Leeds, London, Manchester, Reigate and Sheffield.

Anne Jackson, CEO NWCR said:

“The support offered by the team at Investec Wealth & Investment has been fantastic and will help us in our quest to raise as much awareness and as many funds as possible to support cancer research in Liverpool.

“Cancer sadly affects every single one of us.  It is one of the biggest killers in Liverpool. The good news is that today, for the first time ever half of all people diagnosed with cancer in the UK will survive – which is why research is so important.”

Canter for Cancer is also supported by the Liverpool FC Foundation and The Jockey Club who operate Aintree Racecourse.

Registrations for Canter for Cancer are now open at www.canterforcancer.com and costs £20 per person. The main race will be followed by a shorter course for children called Only Foals and Horses and registration for this costs £20 for a child and adult chaperone.