Thousands step out to fight cancer

5:30pm Sunday 11th May 2008

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MORE than 3,000 women strode out in warmth and sunshine at the first of ten Race for Life events today.

The Cancer Research UK fund-raiser was held over a 5km course at Herrington Country Park, Penshaw, near Sunderland.

It was started by Jeanette Clennell, 44, of Town End Farm, Sunderland, who has survived a rare kind of throat cancer.

Participants, many in fancy dress, could run or walk and the aim of the day was on having fun and raising money for the fight against cancer.

Cancer Research UK hopes that the event will have raised £157,000 for its work. It was one of 262 events being held across the country that the organisers hope will bring in 50m.

The first woman to cross the finishing line was Jacqueline Etherington, of Stanley, County Durham, who completed the course in 21 minutes and 24 seconds.

Julia Haran, of the charity, said: "It went very well, There was a tremendous atmosphere. There were 3,000 women who gathered together to have fun, remember loved ones and raise money.

"Many were in fancy dress. There were fairies, Hula girls. There was tremendous imagination that had gone into the costumes.'' The next walk is in Saltwell Park, Gateshead, next Sunday. For further information visit the website www.raceforlife.org/north or call the hotline on 0871 641 2278.