Stepping out in style for charity (From Malvern Gazette)

Stepping out in style for charity

8:04pm Friday 4th July 2008

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THE third Race for Life event to be held in Malvern was yet another huge success.

Despite the threat of rain the weather stayed dry as about 1,500 women of all ages and fitness levels completed a five kilometre course in aid of Cancer Research UK on Wednesday (July 2).

Most runners sported bright, colourful costumes, and as well as their entry numbers the vast majority wore a pink label bearing the name of someone special, in many cases friends or loved ones who have fought, or are fighting, against cancer.

After a lively group warm-up the participants were separated into runners and walkers, and the race got underway to the poignant sounds of "Proud", by the M People, shortly before 8pm.

The first runner home, and by some distance, was Helen Utridge, part of a 75-strong team from The Downs School in Colwall.

After finishing in an impressive time of just over 18 minutes she said: "This is probably my 12th Race for Life, and I have now done all three in Malvern.

"It's nice to come home first and I'm pleased with my time, but the important thing is that this is a fantastic event for a really good cause."

Lesley Harris and daughter Clara, 10, of Charles Way, Malvern, ran in memory of Clara's grandmother Dorothy May Crease, who suffered with ovarian cancer before dying of a brain tumour last year, and her grandfather John Harris, who died of bowel cancer 12 years ago.

Mrs Harris also dedicated the run to her friend Corinne King, who has just finished a course of treatment and is now recovering from cancer.

"It's great to be able to come out and run for those special people," said Mrs Harris. "It's the least we can do really. There is a brilliant atmosphere, very happy but emotional at the same time."

One of the first runners to finish the course was Rachel Swaddling, from Barnards Green.

Mrs Swaddling only started running after joining Slimming World classes at Dyson Perrins a year-and-a-half ago.

She was running her first Race for Life for her grandmother Cicerly Wilson, who had been battling breast cancer but has now recovered and was in the crowd to cheer Mrs Swaddling on.

"I thought it was very well organised, and there was a great community spirit," she said. "It is great to see people so cheerful, supportive and encouraging, and to see everyone pulling together."

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