Thousands run up funds in race

Thousands of women pulled on their running shoes to take part in this year's Race for Life in Telford.Organisers from Cancer Research UK have hailed the weekend's two races a massive success, and say they are expecting to have raised more than £300,000.

Young and old came together to walk, jog or run their way around the 5km course in Telford Town Park.

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Participants of Saturday's race had to brave the wind and rain, but the sun came out for Sunday's event, despite a few clouds in the sky.

Spectators cheering from the sidelines spurred the runners on as they made their way across the finish line, while volunteers were on hand giving out medals, bottles of water and goodie bags.

It was an emotional experience for many - some women taking part were cancer survivors while others participated in memory of loved ones affected by cancer, or to celebrate the lives of those affected.Ê

Sarah Steere, 25, of Bridgnorth, took part on Saturday. She said: "Seeing people running with messages on their backs about their loved ones was very inspiring.

"It went very well. I was pleased with my time of 35 minutes - it was better than I thought it would be. The rain wasn't too bad once we got going."

Libby Harper, 27, of Crudgington, who took part with a group of work colleagues, said: "It was a good day to bring people of all walks of life together. Despite the weather on Saturday, people were very determined to get through and complete their challenge."

Mother-of-three Rachel Taylor, of Shrewsbury, finished the race in 25 minutes.

"It was great to see so many determined faces taking part," she said. "I really enjoyed it."

Race organiser Gaynor Burton, said 4,000 people took part over the two days.

"It was great, we had really good crowds and everyone seemed to have a good time," she said.

"We are expecting the event to have raised just more than £300,000. We are reminding people to send their money back - we find that roughly only two thirds send their money back - so please send it in however little it is we need it."

Across the UK, 750,000 women are taking place in Race for Life events this year.

By Lizzie Yates

Walkers head out on to the 5km course.

The Race for Life gets under way.

Many runners dressed-up for the event.

All smiles at the start.

Supporters cheer the runners home.

Finishers cross the line.