AROUND 2,000 runners took part in a Race for Life run to raise money for Cancer Research.

Participants raised an estimated £110,000 by taking part in the race, which began in Worcester Racecourse at 10am.

Louise Meeson, from Droitwich, said: “I was diagnosed with breast cancer on January 20 last year but I’ve overcome it, now I want to raise awareness.

“I luckily caught mine early and now I’m here to raise money for cancer research because if it wasn’t for that I would not have had the treatment.”

Ms Meeson, 44, went through a programme of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Jan Miller-weir was one of several friends taking part in the race to support Ms Meeson.

Ms Miller-weir, also from Droitwich, said: “I’m here because of my good friend who’s beaten cancer and also because my mum and dad died from cancer.

“My mum died from breast cancer in 1980 when I was 17. It was horrendous in those days as there wasn’t a lot help for families.

“We didn’t know lots about it back then but this sort of thing has enabled progression and has raised awareness.”

Ms Miller-weir’s father died from bowel cancer two years ago.

Kelly Rumble, the Worcester Race for Life event manager, said: “The money raised will go toward tackling 200 types of cancer. All our fund raising goes to scientists looking for a cure.”

Runners chose either a 5km of 10km route to run and were cheered on throughout the race by volunteers and Worcestershire Rock Choir.

A minute's silence was held before the race started, in memory of those who had died from cancer.