THEY RACED TO BEAT THE KILLER DISEASE

Emotions ran high as a full-house entry of 2,500 women made this year's Gloucester Race for Life a racing success. From experienced runners to committed walkers, all had a story to tell.Together, they will no doubt raise thousands for Cancer Research UK and all achieved something positive in the face of such an indiscriminate killer.

A party atmosphere prevailed and there were smiles during the warm up before the 5km event at Plock Court yesterday morning, more than a few grimaces on the way round, and a few tears shed at the finish line.

Julie Healy, 55, of Tuffley Lane, Gloucester ran in memory of four family members and for a lifelong friend who is battling cancer.

"Sandra Jenson and I have been friends since we were 18 and we are 55 now," said Mrs Healy, who sported a spangly pink wig.

"She had breast cancer 16 years ago and it's gone from liver cancer to bone cancer.

"She has not got many months left, it's heartbreaking."

Similar stories abounded.

Staff from Gloucestershire Royal Hospital's orthopaedics and plaster room donned fetching pink cowboy hats and ran on behalf of friends and family - and one special lady, former colleague Val Price, who is fighting cancer.

"Fairy" Marie Perry said: "After my dad died I realised life was too short to be boring. I did this last year and I just thought 'Why not?'"

Libby Nicholls, BBC Gloucestershire marketing manager and landlady of The Boat Inn at Ashleworth, entered her first Race for Life.

Her mum Jacqui died aged 54, from cancer almost certainly caused by passive smoking. The pub banned smoking before the ban which came in this month.

Bad weather during the previous week meant the course was altered slightly but some participants equipped themselves with wellies, including a team from Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

Jackie Birch, Janet Ryder and Rosie Woolley squelched round with smiles on their faces.

Although it was a fun event, there was a winner - Charlotte Hunter, 20, from Monmouth who ran for grandmother Hilda Tovey. She was just ahead of Sorrel Griffiths, 18, from Longlevens in just over 21 minutes.

Spectator, city council leader and ward councillor Paul James was delighted with the turnout.

"It's a fantastic event, bringing so many people together for a very worthwhile cause," he said.

source : www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk