THE first-ever Basingstoke 10km Race for Life event was certainly a day to remember.

Pink feather boas, hats, tights and wings all came out in the name of charity as just over 800 girls, mothers and grandmothers pinned on their race numbers and ran in honour of loved ones who have died, recovered or are still fighting cancer and to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Before the warm-up, local hero Bev Derham, 54, who is fighting cancer for the seventh time in 20 years, spoke to the gathered women as proof that cancer can be beaten, and to encourage them to collect all their sponsorship money.

Bev, who was first diagnosed with cancer in October 1990, said: “I never thought I would be here 20 years later with a 15-year-old son. It’s for him that I’m still here.”

The inspirational mother also spoke to over 3,000 women at Sunday’s 5km Race for Life, in which she took part.

The 10km event at Down Grange Sports Complex, in Pack Lane, Basingstoke, attracted runners from the town and further afield, who were encouraged to the finish line by Heart FM’s Gareth James.

First to finish was 26-year-old Kerri Barton, of Longstock Close, Chineham, a member of Overton Harriers and Athletics Club, who achieved her fastest-ever 10km time of 38 minutes 59 seconds.

An emotional Kerri, who lost both grandfathers to cancer, said: “I can’t believe it! I now know how Paula Radcliffe felt leading a race from start to finish.” She added: “I will be walking the 5km tomorrow with my sister.”

Teams of runners also turned out, including 12 employees from Great Guns Marketing, based in Basing View. Among them was managing director Liz Jackson, who is blind, and 27-year-old Teresa Foster, who is seven months pregnant.

The team were taking part in memory of their colleague 51-year-old Debbie Jenkins, who passed away last year after fighting cancer.

The 10km event was supported by a hoard of volunteers, including seven Dragon Explorer Scouts, from Basingstoke’s East Scouts. Organisers hope to raise £83,000 through the 10km, and over £300,000 between both events.

Rachel White, regional Race for Life manager for Cancer Research UK, said: “It was a fantastic first 10km event. There was a brilliant atmosphere and I’m really pleased with the number of people for a new race. Hopefully, we can grow it more for next year.”