1,800 find solidarity as they set off on Race for Life
Last updated 09:40, Friday, 08 August 2008
GIRL power was in full force in Barrow on June 8.
By Natalie Chapples
More than 1,800 women and girls came together to beat cancer by taking part in Race for Life 2008.
The Barrow leg of UK’s biggest women-only fundraising event was day filled with fun and emotion.
Runners, joggers and walkers of all ages spurred each other on along the challenging 5K course.
With the sun beating down, the participants earned every penny of their sponsorship money being raised for Cancer Research UK.
There was a sea of pink as friends and family made their way around Parkview School playing fields and Barrow Park then back again.
Youngsters through to pensioners added some sparkle and fun to their running outfits with sequins, cowboy hats, tutus, fairy wings and even bright leg warmers.
The heartfelt messages handwritten on each back signs made moving reading.
Words of love and support were everywhere: “I race for life for my Mam, my hero; for the survivors, the fighters and in memory of those we have lost xxx; for Jacqui who used to love a walk in this park; for my Nana who I never knew; for everyone who can’t.”
This year the messages were pegged up in a reflection area when the ladies had completed the event so everyone got a chance to read them.
There was a big BAE Systems team in the event this year.
Around 40 employees ran for family and friends, but also in memory of their late BAE colleagues Sheran Poole and Marcella McCabe.
The Evening Mail published the inspirational story of Mrs Poole to launch the Barrow Race for Life entries this year.
Mrs Poole was the top Barrow fund-raiser in 2007, collecting £2,200. The mum-of-two from Scales had advanced bowel cancer, but scheduled her chemotherapy around the event so she could take part.
She lost her fight for life in September aged 46.
The staff and friends of Chapel Street Infants School, Dalton, ran for school secretary Sue Quirk who is overcoming breast cancer. Headteacher Helen Watt said: “She has come through it with strength and determination.”
Everyone taking part in Race for Life received a medal and a goody bag.
The staff of Ramsden Infant School, Barrow, were rightly proud of their achievements.
Headteacher Nicky Brewerton said: “We are going to wear our medals at school tomorrow (Monday) to prove we did it.”
Nelson Laurencia, the Barrow race organiser, said: “The event went really well.
“The support this year has been amazing, not just from those taking part but also from the volunteers.
“The atmosphere is always brilliant here in Barrow. The main thing is the togetherness. I was walking with the last people and they were having fun and chatting.
“Every single penny raised is used for Cancer Research UK’s life saving work. We are looking forward to coming back next year and doing it all over again.”
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