THOUSANDS of women took to Knavesmire for the annual Race For Life in York.

The event, which usually takes place on a Sunday, was held for the first time on a Wednesday evening. But that did not stop the runners from showing their backing for Cancer Research UK and its fight to stop one-in-four adults losing their lives to cancer.

Last night saw a sea of pink flood Knavesmire as 2,860 women took part in the 5km event, with the aim to raise £240,000 for the cancer charity.

The race was started by cancer survivor Leigh Naylor, from Ripon, who was diagnosed with cervical cancer at the age of 27. Doctors had failed to diagnose the condition eight times, but she was recently given the all-clear.

Denise Rose, from Biggin, ran the race in memory of her friend Sharon Badby. Sharon, who was from Church Fenton, died earlier this month, only weeks after she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Denise, who underwent surgery to both her feet in January, said: “I shall do the race in Sharon’s memory. If some day we find, if not a cure, a method of routinely finding cancer indicators earlier so it can be treated with excellent results, Sharon will be whooping with pleasure in the heavens.”

Joanna Barnett and Jessica Guy, both 16, from Thorp Arch, ran the race for Joanna’s mother, Alison Barnett, who was diagnosed with cancer in January, and is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment for the disease.

Joanna, who was also running with Rachel Thistle and Rachel’s six-year-old daughter, Amelia, said: “It’s our first Race for Life. We’re just going to go for it because we’re so proud of mum.”

Donations can still be made to any of the runners or the charity, at raceforlife.org

Don't miss this Saturday’s Press for our 12-page Race for Life supplement packed with pictures of the event and the runners’ names.