Race for Life proves a winner

Thousands of women turned out to help raise vital cash in the Race for Life in Telford, with organisers today revealing they hoped it will have raised £130,000 for charity.

More than 3,000 women took part in the event in Telford Town Park yesterday to raise cash for Cancer Research UK.

Last year, women of all ages took part in the three-mile run, jog or walk at the park and raised £120,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Yesterday's event, which kicked off at 11am, was fully booked.

Laura Hayes, part of the Midlands region Race for Life team, said she hoped the event will have raised £10,000 more than last year.

She said: "We are really keen to get across that although it's called Race for Life, the person who comes last gets a bigger cheer than the person who crosses the finish line first."

Emily Smith, also from the team, said: "The weather held out for us and the team were on site from 6am and checked the course for health and safety reasons. It was a bit cloudy to start with but then it was warm and blue skies. The event went brilliantly."

Before the race started, Telford & Wrekin leisure centre staff carried out a warm-up and Beacon Radio was there to provide the commentary.

Places are still available for the Shrewsbury Race for Life at the West Midland Showground next Sunday at 2pm.

Entry closes at midnight Thursday and anyone wanting to take part can join in at www.raceforlife.org