THOUSANDS of women and girls joined together at Arrow Valley Country Park at the weekend for Redditch's Race for Life.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life is a series of 5k or 10k women-only fundraising events, which help to raise money for research to help beat all 200 types of cancer sooner.

At the Redditch race, many of the participants had poignant messages on their backs, to someone who had been affected by cancer.

One said: "My brother-in-law, who lost his battle with cancer three weeks ago today. He said: "It's all about making memories." This one's for you Brian.

While another said: "Tracey and all my friends and family who have won and lost their battles.

First past the finish line this year was Miss Teen Worcestershire Imogen Freeman, for the second year running. She managed to raise £200 towards Cancer Research UK's vital work.

Imogen is currently training with Birchfield Harriers in Birmingham.

For more details about Race for Life, and how to take part in future fundraising events, or how to sponsor a friend who is taking part, visit the website at raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org/index.html.