LYDIARD Park was bathed in a sea of pink at the weekend as thousands of women turned out for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.

From feather boas and cowboy hats, to fluorescent tutus and pink bunny ears, more than 3,000 women looked the part as they completed the 5k and 10k events held across the course of the weekend.

And the event was much more than just a walk, jog or run for many participants as the touching signs on their backs proved.

With tributes to lost loved ones as well as messages of support for those bravely battling the disease, the event was just as emotionally challenging as it was physical.

Sarah Bilko, 24, of Cheney Manor Road came in fourth for the 5k, clocking in at around 25 minutes.

She was being cheered on by fiancee Sam Collier, 25, who lost his grandmother Avril Collier, 74, to lung cancer last year.

Sarah said: “You don’t realise it hits you, but there are so many people. Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer.

“The problem is, it’s such a preventable disease some of the time, when it’s diagnosed early.

“The amazing thing about this is anyone can do it. It hasn’t got age limits. See kids with bits of paper saying: “for my auntie” or “for my grandpa” on it, it’s amazing.”

Also running was sister Ellie Bilko, 14, from Thames Avenue, Haydon Wick.

She said: “I know a lot of people have suffered in families. Sam’s gran died just last summer. It’s just to raise money for it.”

And all ages were taking part.

Ruth Batley, 73, of Lawrence Close, Eldene, has been coming since husband Keith died of a brain tumour.

Tackling the 5k course alongside daughters Tracey Gulliver, 48, and Donna McGowan, 47, she said: “I lost my husband to cancer, seven years ago this year. It’s horrible, it’s lonely, I miss him so much.”

Gary and Jane Turner, 77 and 76 respectively, from Fairthorne Way, Shrivenham, came along to support them.

Mr Turner has had lung cancer for the last four years, and is continuing to battle it, while wife Jane has successfully beaten breast cancer.

Mr Turner does not know if his illness is terminal, but said: “You’ve got to be positive, haven’t you? You’ve got to go sometime.

“When God blows his horn, you’ve got to go. When you’re young you just don’t think about it.

“We came to support people we know are running. It’s great that a lot of people support it, because they reckon one-in-three people get it. You could be walking around with it for years and not realise you’ve got it.”

Friends and work colleagues Carly Wichall, 19, and Stephanie Eccleston, 27, who work at Eurodental in Old Town, were amongst the participants on Saturday.

Stephanie said: “I’m running for my uncle who died very young. He was only 44 and it is just so sad.

“I just wanted to do something – I’ve got memories there because I was close to him, he lived in Ireland and we would always visit when we went on holiday, but I wanted to do a bit more to help others.”

Debbie Pinner, 48, of Ryan Close, Sparcells, was walking the course with dog Ruby.

She works in the radiology unit at the Great Western Hospital, helping to diagnose cancer patients.

She said: “Our mother passed away from cancer four-and-a-half years ago, and stepfather, one-and-a-half years ago.

“Today is in memory of my mum and step father.”

Race organiser Christina Squire said more than 600 women completed the 10k race on Saturday raising more than £117,000, while another 2,700 took part in the 5k on Sunday bringing in a further £190,000 to help beat cancer.

She said: “After all the hard work with the training and fundraising I hope everyone has had a great and memorable time.

“For many people, they are here because they, or someone they are close to has been affected by cancer and we must remember why we do this.

“Everyone was so enthusiastic. We want to return to Swindon bigger and better, because the local support is brilliant.”

See our 8-page special in Monday's Adver.