Thousands take part in Carlisle's Race for Life
Last updated 10:58, Thursday, 17 July 2008
Thousands of Cumbrian women whose lives have been touched by cancer joined forces yesterday to raise money for charity.
- Slideshow: Carlisle's Race for Life
- Video: Carlisle's Race for Life
Fundraisers of all ages descended on the Sheepmount Stadium in Carlisle to remember cancer sufferers and celebrate the survivors, in aid of Cancer Research.
Two 5km races were held with 3,187 running at 11am and 486 at 3pm.
A minute’s silence marked the start of each event as women stood shoulder to shoulder with the names and pictures of loved ones and friends who have passed away or who are battling the disease.
But laughter echoed throughout the stadium as the horns sounded for the start of the race.
First across the finishing line was Caroline Brett, 37, from Carlisle, who completed the course in 18 minutes and 28 seconds.
She was closely followed by 38-year-old Vanessa Strickland, from Stanwix.
Caroline said: “I am thrilled to come first but I am just very happy to be taking part.
“I am running for my friend’s mum. So many people are effected by cancer and I would urge people to donate as much as they can to Cancer Research to help make a difference.”
Vanessa, whose 72-year-old mum Ilene and four-year-old daughter Lily were also taking part, said: “Caroline and I ran with each other most of the way and we were egging each other on.”“All the women who have taken part today have done so well.”
Josephine Alderton, 51, who suffers from Fibromyalgia – a chronic condition that causes fatigue and pain in the muscles and ligaments – took on the route at a slower pace but with just as much determination.
She walked the track with her daughter Eleanor, 20, who pushed a wheelchair for her to use if she got tired.
As she was taking part, she said: “I will make it to the end one way or another. It might take me a while but I will get there.
“I am doing this for myself, in memory of my dad Norman Macmillan and for my mum Jessie who was given the all-clear 27 years ago.”
She added: “My dad was a fantastic guy, he died in 1999 after suffering with a brain tumour and lung cancer.”
Eleanor added: “Unfortunately he died before I got to know him very well.”
Josephine, who donned a bright pink hat for the race, said: “If my dad could see me now he would probably laugh at us!”
Kim Robinson, 40, of Egremont, dedicated her run to her own battle with cancer. She said: “I had cancer in my appendix two years ago – I am all clear now.”
“Race for Life is such a great atmosphere.”
Seven friends from Whitehaven ran as a team in support of their friend Karen Ritson, 34, and her ongoing battle with breast cancer.
They donned signs in tribute to Karen, which read: “Keep fighting, laughing and always wear your Jimmy Choos.”
One of the women, Sharon Walker, said: “We are so proud of her.”
Rachel Graham, of Langholm, was running with a team of 11 family members includng her mum Hazel, 60, and daughter Kirsty, seven.
She said: “We are running for my dad Billy Brown who died in April, aged 61, of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
“He was originally from Carlisle but moved to Langholm.”
“I am running along with my mum Hazel, aged 60, and my daughter Kirsty Graham, who is seven years old.”
