17,000 Women in the Pink

8 JUN2009

17,000 women of all ages took to the Glasgow streets in Sunday morning in the Race for Life to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. Many were themselves cancer survivors. Many others had lost friends or relatives to the disease. "It was amazing. We looked out on a sea of pink," said organiser Leigh Fergus. "It's been a brilliant day, the sun has shone and everyone has been in fantastic spirits. "Just looking at all the women was overwhelming. I'll never forget the sight of 17,000 women at one time warming up with aerobics. "It's been the biggest Race for Life in the UK and it's testament to the attitude of the women of Glasgow, which is unbeatable. The target is to beat last year's £800,000 and I'm sure we'll do it." She added: "I was so proud to be a Glaswegian. The city has excelled itself today".

"The whole atmosphere has been one of fun and lightheartedness, tinged with a really serious message, underlying the fact that so many people are directly affected by cancer and here to make a real difference."

The race was won by Emma Baxter, from Largs but there were 12,000 champions on the day.

Among those taking part were Professor Karen Vousden, director of the Beatson Institute for Cancer at Garscube Estate, who led a team of scientists, personality Carol Smillie was sponsored by Edinburgh Woollen Mill for £1000, and Real Radio DJ Cat Harvey, who was running for her mum, Cathy, who has battled skin cancer for years.