VIDEO: Ladies fight cancer in Chesterfield Race for Life extravaganza

About 2,000 ladies – many wearing t-shirts bearing the names of loved ones who have died of the devastating illness – turned the town’s streets into a sea of pink for this year’s Race for Life.

Organisers hope the fundraising extravaganza netted £125,000 to boost Cancer Research UK’s pioneering work.

The inspirational ladies set off from Chesterfield town hall at 10.30am and were cheered on by scores of spectators right up to the finishing line at Queen’s Park.

Sixteen-year-old Rebecca Herring was the first to complete the race in just over 20 minutes.

The speedy teen, a student at Springwell Community School, was running for her former headteacher, Steve Goddard, who is battling cancer.

She said: “I really enjoyed the race and I’m so proud with my time.

“It’s all for such a good cause.”

Rebecca’s mum, Sharon, of Station Road, Hollingwood, added: “I’m over the moon with her and indeed all the other ladies who’ve taken part in such a good thing.”

Sarah Threadgall, Race for Life event manager, said: “These ladies have sent out a very clear message today – cancer, we’re coming to get you.

“It’s been an incredible day and I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who’s taken part and all those who’ve supported them.”

Simply click the ‘play’ button above to see a video of the event.

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• See Thursday’s Derbyshire Times for more coverage of this year’s Race for Life