More than 1,500 women took part in Cancer Research UK's Race for Life by running three miles from Hartlepool Marina to Seaton Carew and back.



Participants ran to remember loved ones they had lost to cancer, or because they had suffered from the disease themselves.

Hundreds of well-wishers turned out to watch the event. Participants included Mail editor Joy Yates and members of Pansies – a support group for women who have suffered from breast cancer.

The Hartlepool event was set to raise £99,000 to boost a national target of £60m for the charity.

Joy finished the race in 45 minutes. She said: "The support from people along the way was awesome – they kept everyone going.

Holly Scholes, Hartlepool's event organiser, added: "Everybody's smiling as they cross the finish line. Over 1,500 people were taking part for many reasons, it's gone so well."

Isobel Wilson, founder of the Pansies, said: "It's been an honour to be here for all of us."

Lesley Strickland, Hartlepool Borough Council's events officer, helped to organise the race, and also finished first.

The day was extra special for mother and daughter Andrea Fletcher, 35, and Pamela Harvey, 58, from the Clavering area.

Pamela is currently having here third round of chemotherapy treatment for the disease.

Pamela, who works for Coral bookmakers, said: "We just wanted to say thank you to the hospital and to raise money for the work of Mr Bhasker, my consultant

Dorothy Gardner, 72, one of the Pansies, ran the race for herself and in memory of her daughter, Wendy Mowbray, who passed away eight years ago.

Barbara Enderwick, part of Housing Hartlepool's team, ran in memory of her husband, Tommy, who died from cancer in May last year, and her sisters-in-law Pearl Oxtoby and Elsie Brady.

Barbara said: "I just wanted to say thank you to all the hospitals. They've done a lot for my husband. Unfortunately, he didn't make it."