THOUSANDS of women braved the muddy paths of Bolton's Leverhulme Park to take part in this year's Race For Life.

The event, now in its fifth year, attracted almost 4,000 women, many of whom took part in memory of lost loved ones.

Organisers hope to raise £260,000 in sponsorship money for Cancer Research UK. Among the runners was Teresa Howie, aged 55, who was taking part despite suffering a serious stroke last year.

She said: "My dad died of cancer in the 1970s, then my sister, Christina, died of a brain tumour three years ago and at the end of last year, my sister, Pat, died from a secondary spinal tumour.

"God gave me my strength back to enable me to take part."

Gail Avery, aged 50, from Bury, has taken part in the Race For Life for the past four years.

She said: "A very good friend died three years ago from asbestos-related lung cancer, but out of the blue. It was atrocious and it makes you more conscious of your health, but more conscious that it could happen to anyone."

The death of friends Gordon and Jean Riley from cancer inspired Jackie Clough, aged 52, of Westhoughton, to take part in the race.

She said: "It's great to participate. It's my first time and it's for a great cause so I feel privileged to be taking part.

"The atmosphere is fantastic - a lot of time and effort has clearly gone into it."

Jane Edwards, aged 42, of Farnworth, recently lost a close friend to cancer, although her mother survived breast cancer.

She said: "I feel fantastic to be running for such a great cause and to further research, because you never know when you're going to need help yourself."

After her father-in-law was diagnosed with terminal cancer, Sharon Farmer, aged 38, of Kearsley, wanted to do all she could to raise money.

She said: "Running the race is very personal to me because my father-in-law is dying of cancer."

In the first race, the first woman to cross the finishing line after 20 minutes and 43 seconds, was Catherine Brogan, a teacher from Heaton.

She said: "I feel ecstatic. I've really enjoyed taking part. It's not about the winning, it's about enjoying it, having fun and raising money.

"I ran in memory of my grandma, who died two years ago of cancer. She's still very strong in my memory, and always will be."

Last year, 4,000 women raised £222,000 for Cancer Research UK. This year, organisers are hoping that target will be smashed and £260,000 will be collected.

Georgia Mort, aged eight, was the proud wearer of the coveted number one spot.

The youngster, along with her grandmother, May Shipperbottom, who was wearing number two, was racing in memory of her beloved uncle, Martin Pover, who died from lung cancer last December.

The family were also racing in celebration of May's father, who has now been given the all-clear after suffering from throat cancer.

Mrs Shipperbottom, of Radcliffe, said: "It was a very emotional day, but I'm really glad I've taken part. It was very rewarding.

"As soon as it was over, I went to Martin's grave and left the balloons and medals we were given there."

Race organiser Imogen Johnson said: "It's been an absolutely brilliant day. The most important thing now is for people to send their sponsorship money back as quickly as possible."