Race for Life: 1,800 descend on Wolverhampton's West Park for charity run

The sun-drenched park was a sea of pink as more than 1,800 people wore bright outfits to race in honour of loved ones who have either lost their life to cancer or are currently battling it.

And there were many people whose lives had not been affected by cancer who came and raised plenty for Cancer Research UK, the charity which organises the event.

Races are taking place across the Midlands over the coming weeks, with last month's Walsall Arboretum event branded a huge success after it attracted more than 2,000 entries.

One of the many runners taking part in Wolverhampton was Kym Fawcett from Wednesfield who was diagnosed with breast cancer in January.

The 30-year-old was doing the Race For Life for the first time and was accompanied by eleven friends whose lives had also been affected with loved ones suffering cancer.

"We had a lovely evening and we were all inspired by other people's stories," she said.

"I've got a little way to go with my treatment but if by telling my story I can make other people aware of getting anything different checked out as early as possible, then it's worth it."

Donna Lloyd from Bradmore and Lucille Mackay of Penn also took part in the fundraising extravaganza in honour of their close friend Georgeanne Griffin who lost her life to breast cancer in December at the age of 53.

The pair, who have raised more than £1,000, did the race in pink heels because throughout her life Georgeanne jokily claimed she was born in heels.

Donna, 43, said: "Me and Lucille have been really excited about this day since we decided we were going to do it.

"Hopefully it is one where we can make Georgeanne proud.

"She did many of these races before and she would have loved today that is for sure.

"To raise so much money has been brilliant and we thank all our supporters for their help."

Also taking part was Wendy Bowdley, 50, from Bilston, who brought with her many of her friends and family to race in honour of her daughter Vanessa Whitmore who died of cancer last August at the age of 30.

As a tribute to her, Wendy and her friends dressed in superhero character outfits for the occasion.

Wendy said: "I miss my daughter so much, she meant the world to me.

"She was a lovely person and everybody who knew her loved her as well. She was very well thought of and today for us is all about remembering her and making her proud."

Close friends Sheryl Farmer, 43 and Kurima Grant, 27 from Wolverhampton also took part for the first time in honour of Sheryl's mum Carol Banks who died of cancer in January.

The pair had raised more than £350 prior to the event.

Sheryl said: "Since my mum died I've been determined to do something in her memory and give something back.

"I miss her so much, she was the best mum I could have wished for."

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