MORE than 3,000 women put their best foot forward today (Sunday May 19) to help the fight against cancer.

Herrington Country Park, at Penshaw, near Sunderland, was the venue for the latest of this year’s Race for Life events, which are being held across the country by Cancer Research UK.

The morning started with a ten kilometre run and was rounded off with a five kilometre event. Many of the participants were cancer survivors or running in memory of a friend or family member killed by the disease.

Helen Tibbott, Race for Life event manager for the North East, said: “It was perfect, it went very well and the weather stayed nice.

“Looking at all the ‘back signs’ that women wear at the event, declaring why they are taking part, is a very emotional experience.

“Many have survived cancer themselves or are participating in tribute to loved ones whose lives have been touched by the disease."

Cancer Research UK hope that participants at the Sunderland event will raise £170,000. Race for Life in Sunderland is the second in this year’s North-East calendar, which includes events in Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Durham and Newcastle.

Ms Tibbot said: “Many more Race for Life events are taking place across the region this summer and I want to urge as many women as possible to enter.”

To enter an event visit raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050.