HUNDREDS of women donned their trainers to take part in Bolton’s Race For Life.

And now Cancer Research UK bosses are urging them to make every step count by making sure they collect their sponsor money as soon as possible.

Carrie Murphy, Race for Life event manager for Bolton said: “I want to say a heartfelt ‘thanks’ to everyone who took part in Race for Life, and their supporters, as well as our heroic volunteers.

“It was a fantastic day, full of emotion, courage, tears and laughter as more than 1,400 women joined forces to show cancer who’s boss.

“Now I’m asking all the women who took part — and all the friends, family and colleagues who pledged to sponsor them — to transform their passion into progress by returning the money they’ve raised as soon as possible.”

Among the 1,400 women taking part in Sunday’s event was Team Lily, made up of the family and friends of little Lily Beswick, who lost her battle against cancer aged just 21 months last November.

Her mum Clair Beswick, led the runners and thanked so many people for taking part.

And the family and friends of Natalie Poole, a 34-year-old mum who tragically died from cervical cancer on the Friday before the race, were also taking part. Miss Poole raised more than £17,000 for The Christie and Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust since her diagnosis last year.

Julie White, who is battling breast cancer for the second time, ticked off numbers one and two from her ‘bucket list’ as she completed the race and raised more than £1,000 for the charity.

Ms Murphy said: “Cancer Research UK doesn’t receive any Government funding for its ground-breaking work.

"So every single individual contribution matters. It enables our researchers to help more men, women and children in Bolton survive this devastating disease.

“Many people don’t realise that their entry fee only covers the cost of the event. It’s the sponsorship money that really makes a difference.

“So, whatever the amount, we’re asking everyone to make every effort to return their sponsorship money as soon as possible. It can be paid in online, by phone or by cheque.”