More than 5,000 women and their children from all over Wiltshire ran for their loved ones and to raise cash in Saturday and Sunday's Cancer Research UK's Race for Life around Lydiard Park in Swindon.

Many dressed in pink to pay tribute to family members who have fallen victim to the disease and others who have triumphed in their battle against it.

Sunday's runners had warm sunshine for their run but Saturday's entrants had to put up with heavy rain - not that it put them off.

The runners are expected to have almost doubled the total of £235,000raised last year.

Debbie Jones of Malmesbury was first across the line on Saturday, although the event is officially a race. She said: "I just love running and I think it is a really good cause. That's the main reason I did it but it is good to come first.'' Her friend Karen Duckerfield, of Melksham, who came second, added: I got my mum to do the race so I thought I'd better do it too. She came in a little way behind me.'' Survivor Sam Staff, who has recovered from a brain tumour, came first in the Sunday race and wore a sign with her name on her back.

Amanda Fitchett, 36, from Wroughton, took part as a result of having a close encounter with the disease.

"I had a close call," Amanda said. "I found a lump, thankfully it came back clear. But it makes you stop and realise, as it affects everyone."

Debbie Shortell, 41, from Covingham, donned a pink wig for the occasion on Sunday. She has lost four loved ones to cancer and raised £500 for the race.

"I'm doing it in memory of my mum. I've lost four members of my family.

"I feel ready to start supporting the cause now and have been doing lots of fundraising."

Rachel Smith, of Highworth, said that she was taking part on Saturday in memory of her gran.

"She had throat cancer but was really active when she was younger and loved running," said the 27-year-old.

"So taking part in this seemed like a great way to remember her and a chance to raise some money for a good cause."

Running with Rachel was friend Becky Brown, who also had a special reason for running.

"Both my mum and aunt have had breast cancer and survived, so for me it's about celebrating," said the 30-year-old, of Old Town.

"It is amazing to see so many women here taking part as well as all the people who have come out to support them."

Organiser Mark Raisbeck said: "Both days have been fantastic. There has been a great atmosphere. It is a touching and moving event.

"It is really emotional when you see people doing the race with their back signs. That is the reason we are here.

"Every penny that is raised in sponsorship goes directly into funding scientists to cure cancer."

About 800,000 women took part in the Tesco-supported event at 280 venues across the UK.