Thousands get in the pink for Race for Life

DAWN Nisbet with her Oldham team after completing Cancer Research UK's Pretty Muddy challenge

THOUSANDS of women pulled on their pink running gear to take part in a race to fight cancer.

Among them was Oldham mum-of-two Dawn Nisbet who was given the privilege of both speaking on stage and launching the event.

Garden Suburb resident Dawn has found fame since a photograph of her finishing Oldham Parkrun went viral.

The inspirational mum-of-two, who until last year had never run before, has just completed Cancer Research UK's two 5k races at Heaton Park, Prestwich.

Dawn (41) said: "I was truly humbled to be asked to start an event for such an amazing cause.

"Seeing the number of people participating on both days it brings it home how many lives have been affected by cancer.

"The atmosphere on both days was amazing, women supporting women and having huge amounts of fun whilst raising money for such a great charity."

The NHS manager first ran Manchester' Race for Life in 2016 when her step-mum Hilary Pickles (63) was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

This year she ran alongside her family, including her 16-year-old daughter Samantha.

Around 9,000 women, including cancer survivors and those taking part in memory or celebration of a loved one, united for the 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy obstacle course events on Saturday and Sunday.

The event, in partnership with Tesco, raised more than £400,000 for Cancer Research UK's long-term research and trials to help save lives.

Race for Life event manager Kirsti Thompson said: "The atmosphere was electric ­- full of emotion, courage, tears and laughter ­- as thousands of like-minded ladies came together to join the fight against cancer.

"I' like to say a huge 'thank you' to all the women who participated in Race for Life Heaton Park and to all the friends, family and colleagues who supported them. Our participants play a crucial role in helping to turn discoveries into better treatments."