THOUSANDS of women descended on Bournemouth from far and wide to raise cash for Cancer Research UK.

The 2011 Race for Life offered a 10km and two 5km events and women of all ages got involved.

After enjoying mass warm-ups at Pier Approach, the participants headed onto the prom to start their races – whether running, jogging or walking.

There was also time to reflect on the reasons for taking part in a minute’s silence.

Sandy Peplow, from Ringwood, was doing her second event. She said: “My reasons for doing it are because it touches everybody’s lives.

“It’s something that we’re fighting all the time and we need the money to keep doing that.”

Kate Rogers, 37, also from Ringwood, added: “It’s a lovely atmosphere. It’s sad that you can see a lot of people have been affected by it.”

Cilla Rawles, from Christchurch, began taking part in the event five years ago when her husband Pete was diagnosed.

He sadly passed away in 2008 and Cilla said it was always an emotional day.

“It’s brilliant, it’s a fantastic day, the reasons everybody’s doing it just speak for themselves,” she said.

Sheree Woodvine, from Damerham, was taking part in her first event.

She said: “I felt a bit guilty for not doing it last year and it’s a good cause.”

Jan Hales, 53, from Hordle, added: “It’s just amazing, you just can’t miss it now, it’s something that we will always do. Everybody knows someone (affected by cancer), sadly.”

Sally Hillyer, 59, from Barton on Sea, said: “Too many people I know have had cancer, some are still struggling, some have passed away.

“It’s something you can all do, whether you run, walk or are pushed along.”

Area event organiser for Cancer Research UK, Rachel White, said it looked like this year’s Bournemouth race had been the biggest ever.

“I think it’s really the fact that women love to come together, it’s that feeling of sisterhood and really coming together to make a difference.

“Lots of people like to do it with friends and family and it’s very personal to them, there’s a very important reason behind them doing it often and it makes it very emotional, but it’s a fun day as well,” she said.