Over 2,300 grandmothers, mothers, daughters, sisters, nieces, and aunts came out to participate in Blackburn’s Race For Life at Witton Park and helped contribute to an impressive record breaking donation that is estimated to have reached £143,000 this evening.

Every year, the country’s most well recognized women-only event raises money to support Cancer Research UK in their research efforts in the fight against cancer. However, this year’s donation record is believed to have “smashed” previous donation records.

The annual event consists of women, girls walking, jogging, or running a 5 kilometer (3.1 mile) course while wearing a variety of pink-themed outfits.

For many participants, taking part in the event can be a very personal experience. Some are running in the memory of a loved one who was the victim of cancer while others run to demonstrate their support for someone who is currently battling cancer, or to celebrate those who have beaten cancer.

According to first place finisher Elizabeth Greenwood, aged 12, from Read, she was running in memory of her grandmother who lost her battle with cancer several years before.

Also competing was Michelle Newton who, along with her two daughters, Charlotte and Elle, entered in memory of the girl’s grandfather Geoff Newton.

“Charlotte just wanted to get her medal. The atmosphere was brilliant and we thoroughly enjoyed it”, she said.