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What a triumph for Girl Power! Around 1,700 females of all ages joined forces in Wolverhampton’s West Park with one reason in mind - to beat cancer.
It didn’t matter if they ran, jogged or walked the 5km Race for Life route. These Black Country girls and women turned out last night to raise as much money as possible for Cancer Research UK.
From baby girls to pensioners, the Race for Life was an emotional journey for many of those taking part as they remembered loved ones affected by cancer. Many pinned bright pink signs on their backs showing who they were racing for. Their inspirations ranged from family and friends to workmates, many of whom had lost their battle with the illness over the years.
Among those taking part was birthday girl Rachael Goodhead of Perton, Wolverhampton, who turned 18 yesterday. The race was an emotional event for her as her 47-year-old mother Susan lost her brave battle against ovarian cancer just four weeks ago.
And Rachael, an A-level student, was also taking part in the race in memory of her grandmother who died from breast cancer three years ago.
She was joined in the race by her aunt Denise Hodgson, 38. Rachael said as well as raising as much money for Cancer Research she hoped to raise awareness of ovarian cancer. “Not a lot is known about ovarian cancer. It is a silent but deadly cancer.” She added that her mother was an inspiration having battled the cancer for two years.
Female staff from Woodthorne Primary School in Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, dressed up in “Woodthorne Wonders” t-shirts as they put their best foot forward for the Race for Life.
“There’s a group of 16 of us here, 14 of which are members of staff at the school, and all have been affected in some way by cancer or have family and friends who have battled cancer,” said Debbie Bolas, 48, who works in the nursery at the school.
Despite the personal sadness for many, there was a great atmosphere as the participants were cheered on by Beacon Radio presenters as they warmed up together in an aerobics session, before heading for start.
Because of the success of last year’s Race for Life, organisers added an extra date.
The second Race for Life takes place in West Park tonight, and among those taking part will be Wolverhampton mother and daughter Sheila and Laura Gilbert, who will be in pole position having won the Number 1 and 2 bibs in a competition organised by the Express & Star and Cancer Research UK. Teenager Laura was diagnosed with thyroid cancer last year and has since had her thyroid removed.
10 Comments
Hi, I raced last year and absolutley loved the atmosphere and was so inspired by everyones stories. This year I will be racing in memory of my partners mother who died of the diesase. Her name is Joan Robinson, my partner and mother will be there tonight supporting us all in the race and im really looking forward to it and would urge all those ladies out there to get running next year as so many people are affected by cancer now.
Oh and a big shout out to all the girls who raced last night from my work place …. TORQUIL CLARK. ….. ladies you know who you are !!…. well done we are so proud of you all xxx
What a great evening it turned out to be , we were inspired and motivated by all the women around us. Most of all… well done all the Woodthorne Wonders team.. a great team effort.. let’s do it next year?
I am taking part in tonight’s race but went over to the park last night to cheer on the runners. What a great way of raising money and awareness - I will be running in memory of Lorna LLoyd who was my sister-in-law’s sister, and who lost her fight on My 4th. I’m sure some tears will be shed when Dee, Trish and I reach the finish line! Good luck to all!
Well done everyone last night, I am racing tonight with a load of staff from the Express & Star, going to be so much fun and make a loads of money for Cancer Research as well. I’m running in the memory of my Dad who died of the disease nearly two years ago now and my Nan who also died of the disease 13 years ago.
Good luck everyone.
I am also taking part in tonights run and i am really looking forward to it. i am racing in memory of my stepdad who lost his battle in Oct 2006. Good luck to all who are taking part :o)
Brave ladies - my aunt died of breast cancer in the late 1990’s !!!
What a wonderful evening. Full of fun and laughter. Wonderful women raising money for those they have lost, those who are fighting or those who have won their battle. Well done everyone you’re all very SPECIAL x Same again next year only faster!
Hi everyone!
I’ve been reading the mesaages and thanks to everyone who took part and made the events such a wonderful occassion. It’s great to see all the photos and video of the events, already such great memories!
Thanks again, Rich (Race Organiser, Cancer Research UK).
I ran (walked mostly) on thursday with girls from work - brilliant atmosphere… Everyone laughing and people who we didnt know cheered us on and vice versa.. We were walking dressed in pink with our cowboys hats on!….I raced for my aunts died of cancer within 5 years of each other..and my grandmother who died 20 years ago..
We are hoping to raise at least £800 between us. Such a worthwhile cause…
Well done to everyone who participated!