THEY came from all parts and from all ages, backgrounds and walks of life.

Some had been directly affected by cancer, losing parents, siblings and friends; others were motivated by doing something to help combat the disease that can affect anyone.

The Race for Life in Winchester yesterday raised an estimated £250,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Now in its fourth year, the event gets bigger each time with over 2,200 women taking part in the three-mile run around River Park. Starting and finishing by the River Park Leisure Centre the course wound over the streams and around the park with thousands of people lining the route.

The race was started by Southampton General Hospital nurse Anne Croudass and just 17 minutes later the first runner home was Miranda Adcock.

She was followed over the next 30 minutes by hundreds of others, some putting in a last sprint, but dozens more were happy to stroll home and enjoy the atmosphere.

Nikki Kinnersley, 22, a marketeer, of Bishop's Sutton, Alresford, said: "The atmosphere is amazing. It's quite sad to see how many people know people who have died."

Faye Dudfield, 19, a student nurse, of Windemere Gardens, Alresford, lost her mother Diane to ovarian cancer three years ago. "She would have been very proud of me. The numbers here are great. It opens your eyes to how many people have got cancer."

Heather Halliday, 42, a teacher at Swanmore Technology College, near Fareham, ran the race in fancy dress. She said: "It's been fantastic.Beautiful surroundings, really supportive people. The crowds were magnificent.

Everyone has really enjoyed it together."

Her friend, Mandy Downie, 46, an administrator, formerly of Andover, also in costume, said: "It's such a good cause. It gets everybody out on a Sunday morning."

Race organiser Hannah Davies is urging articipants to get their sponsorship money in as soon as possible. "This really does make a difference to the work our 3,500 scientists, doctors and nurses across the UK do."