Everyone's a winner (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Everyone's a winner

Tamsin Simmonds from SwindonTHOUSANDS of women pounded the paths around Lydiard Park for the two-day Race For Life event.

Each had their own special reason for running or walking around the 5km course in support of Cancer Research UK.

And many dedicated the race to someone they have lost by attaching a message to their back.

Dressed as a pink fairy, Sarah Greaves, of Pine-hurst, ran it for her aunt, who died of cancer two years ago, and her friend Michelle who has been diagnosed with the disease.

"It was the first time I'd done it," she said.

"I was thinking of my aunt and friend all the way around.

"I don't think I did too badly and people were cheering us all the way round which really helped."

Wearing a pink wig, Rosie New, 32, was one of 11 women representing Swindon-based pharmaceutical company Cardinal Health.

"I lost my uncle Adrian to bowel cancer a couple of years ago and we all know lots of people affected by the disease.

"People have been brilliant today. We have all been supporting each other on the way round."

Sonia Johnson, 41, of Station Road, is hoping her efforts will raise £200.

"It was good fun," she said.

"I entered to raise money for research into cancer because some of my relatives have suffered from the disease. So many people's lives are touched by it."

Organisers say 6,000 women took part in the event and there were two overall winners. Evening Advertiser journalist Victoria Tagg, 26, won Saturday's race.

"It was a bit of a surprise to win," she said. "All my training at the Marriott gym must have paid off.

"But it's all about raising sponsorship. Someone promised me double if I came in the top ten, so I had to go for it."

Tamsin Simmonds, 26, of Padstow Road, Swindon, sprinted to victory in yesterday's race.

"I knew I was ahead but as I was going around corners people were gaining on me so I just tried to keep going. I'm really chuffed about winning."

The overall target for Swindon is £390,000 which will contribute to a UK total of £23m.

This year the race had to be extended over a weekend because so many women wanted to take part.

Karina Morgan, race organiser, said: "Everything has been fantastic. People have really entered into the spirit of things and have been really supportive of the charity."

Ben Payne