ACTRESS Nicola Reynolds, well known as the daffodil-wearing Megan in the Six Nations Scrum 4 promotions, helped launch Cancer Research UK's Race for Life at Tesco in Newport yesterday.

Nicola has been supportive of the project after being contacted by Cancer Research UK.

"There are few people who don't know someone who has been affected by cancer," she said.

"My drama teacher in school, who wrote my references for drama college and got me into acting, died of cancer shortly before I got my place at the Welsh College of Music and Drama."

The Tesco store has more than 80 female members of staff taking part in the run. A spokeswoman said: "On the day of the race, all the women who work here will be running, so it'll be nice for the boys to do some work for a change!"

Newport's first race will take place at Tredegar House and Park on Sunday, July 17, and places are already filling up fast.

Nic Clarke, the race organiser, said: "The people of Newport have been fantastic and more than 1,000 people have signed up so far for the Newport race.

"Fundraising is important and if every person taking part could aim to raise at least £50, we will easily reach our target."

Nicola herself will be taking part in Cardiff's run, a five km run around Bute Park. There are races across Wales including the Newport Race on July 17, and in Torfaen on June 5.