Race for Life - thousands turn out for run to raise cash for cancer charity (From Leigh Journal)

Race for Life - thousands turn out for run to raise cash for cancer charity

8:25am Monday 6th July 2009

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THEY came in their thousands.

Many had their own stories of sadness and celebration — but all had one aim in mind as they gathered at Leverhulme Park for this year’s Race for Life — to raise money to beat cancer.

More than 3,000 women were at the park in Breightmet, once again the venue for two races in Bolton — similar events take place across the country in aid of Cancer Research.

Some came in fancy dress, donning rabbit ears and cowboy hats to raise smiles among the crowd, but poignantly on the backs of the runners were cards outlining why they were taking part in the race.

Among those participating in the seventh annual five kilometere event was 29-year-old Nicola France, from Westhoughton. Watching her run was proud son Jackson, aged four.

The youngster has undergone a bone marrow transplant after contracting leukaemia.

Mrs France, said: “He is doing so well. The money raised will make a massive difference. There are medical breakthroughs every day.”

Linda Green, aged 58, from Darwen contracted and successfully fought breast cancer. She signed up her female relatives to take part in the run.

She said: “It is so important to take part or support events like this to raise money for research into caner. I am a survivor and have come through and more money is always needed to carry on the research to help more people.”

Minutes before the race, Leverhulme Park became one massive keep-fit studio so the ladies could limber up before the run. The start was marked with a cheer to remember those who had lost their battle against cancer and celebrate those who had beaten the devastating illness before the ladies set off, some running and some walking.

And in just over 20 minutes the ladies in the morning race were beginning to make it back.

Racegoer number 233 Kirsty Preece, aged 39, was the first to cross the finishing line with a time of 20 minutes 30 seconds.

The winner of the afternoon race which started at 2.30pm was Carla Sabrine.

Event organiser Nina McGregor said: “All the ladies have shown great enthusiasm and are really up for it. It has been phenomenal.

“All the money raised will go to our doctors and scientists to fund research into pioneering treatment to beat cancer.”

She said the races in Bolton are expected to raise more than £100,000.

schaudhari@theboltonnews.co.uk

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