MORE than 5000 women took part in a record-breaking Wirral Race For Life on Sunday.

A torrential downpour failed to dampen the spirits of the 5,167 who walked, ran or jogged the 5km course. They have helped raise £205,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Jane Bullock, race organiser for the charity, told the Globe, which has been the event's official newspaper for the last four years: "It was absolutely brilliant and a record-breaker, because we beat the number of people who registered for the Wirral race last year.

"Thanks very much, once again, for the Globe's help in making it the success it was."

Among those taking part were Angela Samata and her mother Jenny Lloyd along with sister Helen Bishtin and her one-year-old daughter Matilda.

The race was a particularly special for Jenny, aged 56, from Bebington who won a battle against breast cancer last year.

Angela, 38, from Oxton, told the Globe: "It was an amazing day and we were celebrating the fact that our mum had fought and won her fight against cancer and was able to join us on the day.

"So many women were taking part in memory of someone who had lost their life, but the fact that mum was also taking part was also very special.

"I don't know exactly how much we have all raised, but Matilda walked across the line and has raised £150."

Blowing the starter's whistle was Andy King, whose wife Lisa died from lung cancer in April 2007, aged 34.

Accompanied by his two children, Theo, aged five and three-year-old Libby, Andy got the race underway before cheering a huge gang of family and friends who are all taking part.

The weather was fine at the start, but within an hour the heavens opened and the rain fell.

If you were unable to make it to Birkenhead Park on Sunday, places are still available in Race for Life at Knowsley on Tuesday July 14 and at Aintree on Sunday July 19.

To register, log onto www.raceforlife.org or call 0871 641 2282.