MORE than a thousand women Race for Life in Chantry Park for friends, family and loved ones.As they walked or ran each of the women had their own poignant reasons for supporting the race in aid of Cancer Research UK.

By Amanda Cresswell

MORE than a thousand women Race for Life in Chantry Park for friends, family and loved ones.

As they walked or ran each of the women had their own poignant reasons for supporting the race in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Some had lost family or friends to cancer and others had received treatment for the disease.

Bound together for a common purpose they held a one-minute silence before joining in a warm up led by Mike Wiggins, then setting off on the 5 km race sponsored by Tesco.

Gemma Cookham, from Cancer Research UK, said: "This is the third year the race has been held in Ipswich and it is the second year the numbers of those taking part has doubled in size.

"We have 1,100 people here, which is fantastic. They are running because they have been touched by cancer themselves, or are running for friends and family."

There are 130 races being held throughout the country and it is hoped to raise £17.5 million nation wide.

Elizabeth Robinson, 48, of Ipswich ran in memory of her sister, Marianne, who died aged 39 from a brain tumour ten years ago. She aims to raise £50.

Christine Hart, 53, of Woodspring Close, Ipswich, is raising £150 in memory of her sister who died in February this year and also for her friend, Barry Wright of Braintree.

Races are taking place throughout the country with the aim to raise £17.5 million.

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www.raceforlife.co.uk/