Edinburgh Women Raise Half a Million Pounds for Cancer Charity

30 JUN2009

Cancer Research UK expect to raise over £500,000 from the efforts of more than 8,000 women who walked, jogged or ran in the 14th Edinburgh Race for Life on Sunday June 28.

Women and girls of all abilities made up a sea of pink t-shirts, many with messages pinned to them remembering loved ones who had lost their battle with the disease.

A one-minute silence was held at 10:30am to remember those who passed away from the disease and before the race got underway at 11am.

Although the ethos of the event is non-competitive, the first woman to cross the finishing line was Lauren Drury, 23 from the city’s Gorgie area, who completed the 5km in 19:27.

John Fyall, from Cancer Research UK, said: "We had over 8,000 women taking part in the race, with 2,000 of them completing the 10km event which was a great effort. We were fortunate that there was no rain although thick mist around Arthur's Seat added to the drama of the occasion and made it even more memorable. It also kept things cool which made conditions easier. We are going to raise £500,000 which is a fantastic total. Edinburgh is always a place that really embraces the event."