GIRL power was on show as hundreds of ladies in pink joined forces to battle cancer in this year’s Race for Life at Hudson’s Field yesterday.

Competitive runners, Zumba dancers, recreational joggers and walkers wearing fancy dress helped raise thousands of pounds by running 5K for Cancer Research UK.

All of those taking part had powerful reasons for being there and they wore back signs dedicating their race to someone who is fighting cancer or lost their battle with the disease. Among the runners were Cherryll Beswick and Jan Pope.

The friends, who swim and go to the gym together in Durrington, were running in support of a friend who is currently fighting cancer.

“You don’t realise what a great atmosphere it is until you come here,” said Mrs Beswick, 66.

“We’re doing our bit to help out. Our friend Trisha is currently fighting it and she has been so brave.”

Mrs Pope, from Shrewton, dedicated her second Race for Life in Salisbury to her father, who died of cancer 28 years ago.

“I still miss him and love him lots,” she said.

Also running in the sunshine were Helen Baker, Amy Harris and Sharon Graves.

They said: “It’s such a good cause to support and it’s nice for everyone to do something together.”

Nineteen-year-old Rebecca Kavanagh completed her fourth Race for Life in a time of 25 minutes.

“I lost my grandfather to oesophageal cancer in 2011 and did it for him, and to help stop cancer,” she said.

And Elizabeth Gray from Larkhill, lost her father to cancer at Easter.

“Seeing people’s messages on their backs gives you hope,” she said. “It was very overwhelming.” Race for Life event manager, Maxine Bateman, says Salisbury’s race is on track to raise more than £120,000 and thanked everyone who braved the heat to take part.

“Looking at all the back signs that women wore at the event, declaring why they take part, is a very emotional experience,” she said.

“Many have survived cancer themselves or took part in tribute to loved ones whose lives have been touched by the disease. “I’m so grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life in Salisbury and to all the family, friends and colleagues who are supporting them. What better way to fight back against cancer than by raising funds to beat the disease.”

Former Leaden Hall pupil Imogen Wolsey, 20, crossed the line in a speedy time of 17 minutes after her return from injury, Hannah Polden came second in 19 minutes and nine seconds, Phippe Riches took third after crossing the line in 19 minutes 56 seconds and ten-year-old Rose Warren finished fourth in 20 minutes and 20 seconds.