A SEA of pink swept through Warley Country Park as more than 200 women ran, jogged, walked and danced this year's Brentwood Race for Life.

The annual race, which took place on Saturday, May 28, saw hundreds of women taking on 5km or 10km routes around the park to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

The woman-only races are held all around the country and help to raise thousands of pounds towards vital research in the fight against cancer.

Although the weather this year was overcast with spots of rain, it did not dampen any spirits as the crowd cheered all the participants round the course.

An energetic warm was held before the run, complete with dance moves and plenty of stretches, and racers could afterwards treat themselves to trip to the ice cream van, pancake stall or barbecue.

Cheers rang out across the park as each woman crossed the finish line and everyone received a medal as a thank you for taking part.

IF you have never attended a Race for Life event, either as a supporter or a participant I recommend you go along next year.

Whether you are taking part, cheering someone along the course or just going along to watch I can assure there are few other events which are as touching, emotional and as uplifting.

There is just something special about watching hundreds of women of all shapes, abilities and sizes taking on the challenging routes to raise money for such a good cause; whether they are taking on the shorter or longer route, they are all there for the same reason, to raise money to fight cancer.

Most people are running in honour of someone touched by cancer and write their names on signs pinned to their t-shirts, meaning it can be an incredibly emotional day as sadly, in lots of cases, these loved ones have lost their fight to the disease.

A minutes silence is held before the race to remember those who have died, to honour those still fighting and to just remind everyone why they are taking part, which is incredibly emotional and meant I sobbed for the first kilometre of the run!

But although it can be a sad day, the overall atmosphere is one of hope, of celebration and joy as everyone is cheered around the course and over the finish line.

This year was my first ever 10km event and I'll admit it was a challenge!

The cross-country route included long hills and uneven ground and those doing the 10km had to complete the route twice so it was hard work but so worthwhile.

The cause means a lot to me; we lost my darling Auntie Janet to cancer when she was just 46 and my Nanna, Doris Austen, also fought - but happily won - her own fight with breast cancer.

I know so many people who have been affected by cancer in different ways and this shows how important it is to keep fighting and raising money for this important research.

So come on ladies; sign up to take part next year, it doesn't matter if you run it, walk it or even dance it, it all makes a difference.

You can still donate at www.justgiving.com/charlotteruns10km