Many of the women who took part in yesterday’s Race for Life did so for a very good reason - to raise money in the memory of a loved one.

Despite the fun atmosphere, hundreds of runners wore signs dedicated to family members and friends who had fought a battle with cancer.

A number of women also took part in the race as survivors themselves, wanting to give back to Cancer Research UK.

Kirstie Williams, 21, of Mansell Close, Eastwood, ran her fifth Race for Life in an impressive 24 minutes.

She said: “I always love taking part in Race for Life, there is such a community spirit and even running by yourself you feel so welcomed by everyone around you.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

“I ran in memory of my Auntie Beb who I miss more than words could say, my Auntie Ellen, who was always the life and soul of any family party and I will also be running in memory of Timmy Mately, who was the lead singer in my favourite band The Overtones, who we sadly lost to his battle with cancer last month at the age of just 36.”

Thirty-four-year-old Emma Conroy, 34, of Hornby Avenue, Westcliff-on-Sea, ran with 19 other women in their group, the Rockabilly Rebels, who been raising money for Cancer Research UK.

She said: “It’s incredible, being part of a group who are so passionate about making a difference.

“We take part in a lot of different events, and it’s always fantastic to see people coming together against such an awful illness to make a positive change.

“We relentlessly fundraise in the hope that we can one day find a cure. We have lost many loved ones to this awful disease, some are fighting the fight and some are survivors.

“Cancer...we’re coming to get you.”

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

Karen Bunker, 40, of Southend, took part in the Race for Life for the first time this year, along with her daughter Kacie, ten.

She said: “I have always wanted to do it, but this year was the year that I decided to finally take the opportunity.

“I’m so glad that I did - it was a fantastic atmosphere and really made you feel as though you had made a difference.

“There were people of all different abilities at the race, from sprinters to walkers like us, and we felt so welcome throughout the entire 5k.

“I am taking part in memory of my dear friend Paula, who lost her battle last year, and all I hope is that we have made her proud today.”

In total £84,000 is expected to be raised by the event, with every penny going to Cancer Research UK to fund lifesaving research.

More than 1,200 runners, joggers, and walkers took part in this year’s Southend Race for Life.