MORE than 1,500 women have taken part in the Globe-backed Wirral Race For Life today, raising £115,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Organisers say 1,600 put on their running shoes for the fun run in Birkenhead Park. Last year, 2,100 took part.

Instructors from Total Fitness in Prenton put the runners and walkers through a warm-up before the event began.

Also entertaining the crowds were Merseyside Rock Choir.

There was then a minute's silence for those whose lives had been touched by cancer.

Setting the runners off on their way was Emma Powell, a finance assistant from Prenton, who took part in the event last year, just weeks after having cancer surgery.

The 34-year-old, who also running today, was diagnosed with womb cancer in April last year after experiencing bleeding which continued for several months.

She was initially misdiagnosed with fibroids before eventually being given the devastating news she had cancer.

She was treated with a hysterectomy in May last year and given the all-clear a month later.

Emma said: "It was an honour to be asked to start today’s Race For Life.

"I didn't even know I would be setting the runners off until a few days ago, but I felt very privileged to be asked.

"Twelve months ago I took part after having surgery and a year on I am all clear and started the race, which is really, really good.

"After I was diagnosed and throughout the treatment I was really positive about everything and was very confident that I could get through it.

"I had a lot of support from family, friends and my partner Mark.

"I've always been very involved in Race For Life – have done it for about eight years now. It's something I’m always very pleased to be involved.

"Last year, of course, it was very poignant, because I was running for myself.

"I remember my friend ran with me and she showed me a sign on her tee-shirt that had my name on it, which really moved me.

"This is not just for me, it's for all cancer survivors, because the journey doesn't stop once you've been given the all-clear.

"I want to raise awareness of the womb cancer and the importance of raising money for Cancer Research UK so they can ensure even more people survive cancer."

Sarah Hunter, Northwest events manager for Cancer Research UK told the Globe: "As in previous years, it's amazing to have the support of so many ladies who have turned out to help raise much-needed funds for Cancer Research.

"It's a great event, people come out rain or shine. Luckily, the rain stopped before the event began".

In a message to those who took part today, Sarah added: "I just want to say a massive thank you to all who signed up to take part.

"We couldn’t do without you; you do a fantastic job.”

Race for Life's Pretty Muddy event will be held at Birkenhead Park next Sunday, July 2 at 10,30am

More than with 1,228 have signed up so far for the event, which promises thrills and spills.

Participants will follow a 5k course featuring scramble nets, climbing frames, inflatable slides and hurdles to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK's life-saving research.

To enter, visit www.raceforlife.org