MORE than three thousand women took a stand against cancer today by taking part in Wirral's Race For Life.

A total of 3549 ran or walked through Birkenhead Park this morning during the Globe-backed event that has, according to its organisers, raised £155,000 for Cancer Research UK.

After a 15-minute warm-up the participants were ready to go. Sounding the horn that set them on their way at 11am was Rebecca Hardy, from Buckley in North Wales.

Today is her eighth birthday and she decided to celebrate by taking part in the fundraiser.

Wirral Globe has been the event's official newspaper since 2006.

Laura Taylor, North West events manager for Cancer Research UK, said: "It was an absolutely amazing day, with 3549 people taking part, cheered on by lots and lots of spectators.

"I want to say thanks very much to everyone who took part and I hope you enjoyed it as much as we have.

"The task now is to ensure we get the incredible £155,000 that has been pledged in sponsorship, because it all goes to Cancer Research UK.

"If we can get that in, it will be so appreciated by the doctors and scientists working to try to find a cure in the fight against cancer."

Among those putting on their running shoes today was Nina Wilson from Wallasey.

The 41-year-old was running in memory of friend Sharon-Anne Griffiths who died from kidney cancer in October.

Joining Nina was Sharon-Anne's 13-year-old daughter Ellen.

Nina said: "We both run regularly anyway and I've done Race For Life for last seven years.

"We both did it last year when Sharon was quite ill and raised about £500. We're hoping to raise more this year."

Jill Tinsley and 11-year-old daughter Amy from Bebington, also took part.

Jill said: "I did this for my mum, who's a cancer survivor, but I have lost a couple of family members to cancer. I do try to do my bit every year for charity.

"I always do the Wirral Coastal Walk and I did a sky dive this year, too. Over the years I've raised over £5000. I know it's not a great deal, but it all helps in the fight against cancer."

Also taking part were friends Linda Hayman and Lauren Crilly from Prenton.

Linda said: "I've done it in the past and it's a great day, all for a superb cause and brings a lot of people together."

Stephanie Limb from Eastham was taking part, along with her friends Melissa Kerr from Bebington and Shell Roberts from Chester.

Stephanie said: "I just thought it would be a nice event for us all to take part in, something different.

"We've never done anything like this before and it's nice charity to raise money for. It's something different to do on a Sunday morning, better than being hungover."

Leslie McKechnie, 54, and daughter Hannah, 24, from Oxton, were taking part in memory of Leslie's sister-in-law Sandra Bentley, who died from lung cancer two months ago.

Leslie, who works for Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, said: "I've never had the nerve to do anything like Race For Life before, so I hope it's the first of many times I take part."

Clare Birch, 26, from New Brighton, said: "It's the first time I've taken part in Race For Life.

"I'm running it because we've lost grandparents and loved ones along the way and I want to my bit to help beat cancer.

"I had planned to raise £100, that has risen to £150 and hopefully after today I could even raise a little bit more.

"It's great that 3549 people registered, that will certainly help in the fight against cancer."

Alison White was among a team of 15 raising funds for the charity. The group's target was £3,000.

The mother-of-two from Greasby was diagnosed with breast cancer last June, eight weeks after the birth of her second child. 

The cancer later spread to her back and she is receiving chemotherapy.

Cheering Alison on were husband Mike and their sons Riley and Jacob.