As nearly 2000 women and girls lined up to take part in the Race for Life at Hopetoun House on Sunday the messages on their backs said it all. People had written heartfelt words in memory of loved ones, attached photos or penned wishes for the future, all as a reason for running. And, together, we did our bit to fight cancer.

Leading off the event was Marie Ward, the Journal and Gazette's Linlithgow office receptionist, who wore the number one vest.

Between her, and the other members of team Journal and Gazette, Diane McBride, Dallas McCormack, Jeanette Grant and Jackie Mitchell, we are on target to raise over £500.

Organisers are hoping all those who took part this year will smash the fundraising target of £131,000.

The event was huge fun, and tiny tots, babies in prams, dogs on leads, competitive athletes, runners in fancy dress and once-a-year walkers all got together in a sea of pink to take part in the annual 5k fundraising event.

Hopetoun House's Race for Life event manager, Olivia McLean, said: "The women who took part deserve a really big thank you for creating such a great atmosphere and helping make the event so special. I hope everyone who took part in Race for Life at Hopetoun House really enjoyed themselves – everyone was in a party mood on the day and it looked like everyone had a fantastic time, despite the cold weather.

"By taking part in Race for Life the women have pledged their support to help us beat cancer – a disease that will affect one-in-three people in the UK at some stage in their lives. But this will only be possible if we raise enough money to help fund more of our life-saving research.

"The event itself may be over, but now it is vital that everyone makes one final effort by returning their sponsorship money as soon as possible to help us cross the fundraising finish line."

Cancer Research UK spends millions of pounds on research projects in Scotland every year, and the contri-bution from this weekend's event will make a huge difference.

For information on how to return sponsorship money, or to make a
donation, visit www.raceforlife.org/scotland today. UK tax payers shouldn't forget to gift aid their donation, which means Cancer Research UK can claim back from the Government an extra 22 per cent on top - without costing a penny!

And any woman who's been inspired by the Hopetoun House Race for Life can still accept the invitation to be part of the UK's largest women-only fundraising series as places are still available at Edinburgh on June 1 and at the UK's largest event in Glasgow on June 8.

For more information and to enter Race for Life visit www.raceforlife.org/scotland or call the hotline on 0871 641 2278.