THOUSANDS of Merseyside women braved the scorching heat to take part in the Race for Life event at Sefton Park yesterday.

It was the first time the park has been used by Cancer Research for the event, but 2,600 women turned out to run, jog or walk the five-kilometre course and raise money for research into cancer treatment and prevention.

Cheered on by an army of supporters in the bright sunshine, the women raised an estimated £118,000 in temperatures of 25°C.

Some dressed up in bright pink or fancy dress to make the run, and many were there to mark the lives of friends and family touched by cancer.

Event manager Helen Wright said: “We’re thrilled so many women could take part in our first ever Race for Life event at Sefton Park.

“It’s a great location and it’s been a fantastic atmosphere, everyone has been cheering each other on. We’ve had three generations of women from the same family, and lots of mothers and daughters.

“Of course, everyone came here for the same reason, and many have been touched by cancer, so it’s an emotional day.

“Despite improvements in treatment, one in four people in the UK will still die from cancer. With the help of Merseyside women, and those who encouraged and sponsored their race for Life efforts, we want to change that.”