MORE than 2,500 women have taken part in today's Globe-backed Wirral Race For Life, raising £135,000 for Cancer Research UK.
And they're off! Wirral's Race For Life gets underway. Picture: Craig Manning
Organisers say 2680 put on their running shoes for the event in Birkenhead Park. Last year, 2,919 took part in the Wirral event, raising £121,000 for the charity.
Warming the runners in Birkenhead Park this morning. Picture: Geoff Davies.
Setting them off on their way was an extraordinary family from Prenton.
Mum-of-three Lisa Casey, 50, was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2011 and just a month later her son Elliott was diagnosed with a rare type of brain tumour.
Son Elliott was aged 12 when he was diagnosed of cancer called ATRT, which tends to be found in children aged three and under and has a poor prognosis.
However, because he was older, he was able to receive both radiotherapy and chemotherapy treament.Lisa underwent a mastectomy, had lymph nodes removed, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Mother and son were both treated at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.
Lisa and Elliott Casey before starting this morning's Race For Life. Picture: Craig Manning
Elliott missed most of Year Seven at Birkenhead School, but despite only leaving hospital in July of 2012, he returned that September for Year Eight.
Now aged 15, he undergoes regular check-ups, but is in good health.
Praising the runners before setting them on their way this morning, Lisa said: "You are making a difference just by being here and and running this race.
"Without the donations and without that research, Elliott and I would not be here. So thank you so much.
"I have to mention the family and friends that have been so supportive. You have these black times, but you have to move on.
"Seeing everyone out there looking great dressed in pink is wonderful.
“I could never have dreamed that I would be undergoing cancer treatment at the same time as my son.
“But we came through the other side and we are all incredibly proud of him for getting back to school so quickly and his positive attitude.
“Research into cancer is just so important. I know that without research then Elliott and myself might not be here now.
"We feel very blessed to be here. Without the hard work of hospital staff and the research behind it, we wouldn't be here.""
Lisa took took part in the race with daughter Hermione, her 77-year-old mother-in-law Patricia and a group of friends.
Elliott added: "We've been through a tough time, but I'm just so delighted to be here today."
Rhian Coathup, Cancer Research UK's Race for Life Wirral event manager said: "It's always such a good turn-out here in Wirral. It's such a focal point and lots of women come down with families.
"It's really nice. It's brilliant."
The Globe has been Race For Life's official newspaper since 2006.
Can you spot yourself on these photographs taken by Geoff Davies?
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