THOUSANDS of women and children descended on Down Grange to raise an expected £150,000 for charity.

Over 3,000 women and children took part in in this year’s Cancer Research UK’s Pretty Muddy and Race for Life events at Down Grange Sports Complex.

The runners took part in either the 5k, 10k, or Pretty Muddy events, all to raise money for the charity.

The charity is now asking to make all their steps count by paying in their sponsorship money as soon as possible.

While the total is still being calculated as the money comes in, organisers anticipate that the total could be over £150,000.

Fiona Miller, Cancer Research UK’s Basingstoke events manager, said: “Life-saving research is being funded right now thanks to people like the women of Basingstoke who join the fight at Race for Life.

“By taking part and raising money, our participants play a crucial role in helping to turn discoveries made in the lab into new, better treatments for patients in Basingstoke and across the UK and we’d like to thank everyone who took part in the event last weekend.

“The atmosphere on the day was hugely moving - full of emotion, courage, tears and laughter - as people came together to remember loved ones lost to cancer or celebrate the lives of those dear to them who have survived.

“Now we’re asking everyone who took part, and all the friends, family and colleagues who pledged to sponsor them, to return the money they’ve raised as soon as possible.”

Sponsorship money can be paid either online, by phone, cheque, or in person at a Cancer Research UK shop. For more information, go to raceforlife.org.

One of the groups taking part in the race was the Basingstoke Nepalese Community (BNC), who had 24 ladies run the race. This was the second year the BNC had people joining in, and this year, they have so far raised over £500, and presented the money to event manager Fiona Miller.

Poonam Gurung, co-ordinator and group leader of BNC said: “I wanted to raise awareness of the illness to emphasise the importance of talking about our worries and concerns to aid prevention.

"Thanks to Race for Life, this is now happening and I feel very proud that I have had a small part in that.”