MORE THAN 1,000 RACE FOR LIFE:

GREATER Manchester’s first Race For Life kicked off in Stockport with more than 1,000 women and girls joining forces in the fight against cancer.

The event took place at Woodbank Memorial Park on Sunday and is estimated to have raised over £60,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Photographs from the 5k race show a sea of pink as participants – which included cancer survivors and those taking part in memory or celebration of a loved one – enjoyed a mass warm up at the start.

Race For Life organisers are now thanking everyone who took part, as well as to the people who supported by sponsoring and donating.

Laura Cass, Cancer Research UK’s Stockport events manager, said: “Life-saving research is being funded right now thanks to people like the women of Stockport who join the fight at Race for Life.

“By taking part and raising money, our participants play a crucial role in helping to turn discoveries made in the lab into new, better treatments for patients in Stockport and across the UK and we’d like to thank everyone who took part in the event on Sunday.

“The atmosphere on the day was hugely moving full of emotion, courage, tears and laughter - as people came together to remember loved ones lost to cancer or celebrate the lives of those dear to them who have survived. Race for Life offers a unique opportunity for likeminded ladies to unite against a disease that affects us all in some way.

“Now we’re asking everyone who took part, and all the friends, family and colleagues who pledged to sponsor them, to return the money they’ve raised as soon as possible. Money raised – whether it’s £10 or £100 – will help Cancer Research UK scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease, helping save more lives.”

The next events to take place in the region are the Race For Life Pretty Muddy 5k and 10k on Saturday, June 23 and the 5k and 10k events on Sunday, June 24.

There will also be a 5k event in Oldham that day.

The Manchester (Heaton Park) races will take place over the weekend July 14-15.

For more information on how to enter, visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770. »»Pictures by Steve Allen