A SEA of pink made its way around Hudson’s Field on Sunday as more than 2,200 women and children braved the heat to take on Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.

People fighting cancer, those who have beaten the disease, and those who have lost a loved one came together to run, jog, walk or Zumba dance their way around the 5k route. The emotional and inspiring event saw participants share a minute’s silence to remember a loved one before a group warm up exercise. The women and children, many in fancy dress, then made their way to the start line.

First to cross the finish line was Louisa Case, 38, from Salisbury, who finished in 20 minutes. She took on the route as part of Team Nutcases with her daughter, Victoria Taylor, and friend Becky White, whose father has been diagnosed with cancer.

“It was hot,” she said, “really hot. It’s all about cancer, not about running. Many have got people who have passed away or who have got cancer so the drive is a lot more for them.”

Also among the first to cross the finish line was 12-year-old Jessica Barrett and her mother Jackie, 44.

“I’ve been doing Race for Life for five or six years,” said Jessica. “I did it in memory of my granddad, who died a few years ago.”

There were lots of moving stories from this year’s participants. Dani Haviland took part in memory of her best friend, Laura Bishop, who died from ovarian cancer earlier this year. “I was doing it for my best friend so I had to work extra hard,” she said. Wendy Eastmond, 53, who fought breast cancer, took part with her friend Gloria Hunt, 62, to remember those they have lost to the disease.

A team of about 20, called Team Lesley, took part in memory of Lesley Bailey, who died from cancer shortly after taking part in last year’s event, and other friends and relatives they have lost to the disease. Cathy Hollis, from Amesbury, walked the route with relatives Amanda, Kimberleigh, and Georgia, in memory of Barbara Hollis, who died in May this year. And Mary Wise, from Durrington, ran in memory of both her grandmother and her husband’s grandmother.

“I’m really proud of myself and proud of what we are doing for cancer,” she said. A group of girls from Sarum Youth Football Club found a different way to tackle to route, tied together while dribbling a pink football. Sponsorship money is still being counted but organised hope to have raised more than £105,000 from this year’s event. Those who took part are being urged to get their sponsor money sent in as soon as possible.