Runners should raise more than £500,000 for Race for Life in Southampton (From Daily Echo)

Runners should raise more than £500,000 for Race for Life in Southampton

8:03am Monday 13th July 2009 in

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Well done ladies, we did it! Once again the women of Southampton have done the city proud, turning out in their thousands to take part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.

Even the occasional rain shower couldn’t dampen spirits on Southampton Common yesterday as 9,500 mums, aunties, sisters, wives, daughters and grandmas came together in the fight against cancer.

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Organisers estimate their efforts will raise more than half a million pounds for Cancer Research UK.

It may be called a ‘race’ but the spirit of yesterday’s event was not one of competition.

Pensioners, toddlers and teenagers alike encouraged one another along the 5k course which snaked around Southampton Common, through Highfield and down The Avenue.

Some challenged themselves to run the three-mile route, others set off at a jog while still more chose to walk the course with friends and family members.

All were determined to raise as much money as possible for life- saving research into cancer.

As has become the tradition at Race for Life, women wore their reasons for taking part on their backs.

They were touching tributes to loved ones lost to cancer and messages of hope and celebration for those who had beaten or are still fighting the disease.

Race organiser Hannah White instigated a minute’s silence before the race – a quiet moment for remembrance and a chance for participants to reflect on their very personal reasons for being there.

Then, after a pom-pom shaking routine from male cheerleading squad The Nivea Boys, the gathered women were led in a mass aerobic warm up.

Record-breaking yachtswoman Dee Caffari started the race off with Southampton Mayor Councillor Elizabeth Mizon and the city’s leading cancer research scientist Professor Peter Johnson.

Sensible sportswear was largely abandoned in favour of tutus, feather boars, tiaras and plenty of pink.

Hundreds of spectators lined the route, cheering on the city’s women.

Organiser Hannah White estimates that their efforts will generate a fantastic £590,000 to help fund vital research into cancer, its causes and treatments.

“It’s a fantastic day for women to come together and take part in an event they walk, jog or run for a good cause,” said Hannah.

“It’s a chance for people to remember those they have lost to cancer and to celebrate those who have survived and are still fighting the disease.”

Yesterday’s Race for Life was one of 230 events taking place up and down the UK this summer.

The 680,000 women taking part are expected to generate a staggering national total of £60m for Cancer Research UK – and the women of Southampton can feel proud for their own admirable contribution.