WOMEN from across the region turned out in force to remember loved ones and raise money for charity as they took part in the Race for Life at Westpoint.

With more than 4,600 runners, joggers and walkers joining in yesterday's 5km city event, organisers hope to have raised around £223,000 for Cancer Research UK.

The dress code was pink, with groups of runners donning wacky wigs, cowboy hats, feather boas and tutus.

Heart FM breakfast show presenters Matt and Dani were on hand to help warm-up participants, along with a quick aerobics session from DC Leisure representatives.

Host Matt said: "The atmosphere today is incredible, with a sea of pink ladies all smiling. Every single person has been affected in some way by cancer and seeing everyone come to together for charity is very heartwarming."

As the sun shone, relatives, children and pets supported runners round the 5km course in the 22C (71.6F) heat.

Susan David, 39, from Exmouth, who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and gallstones, was discharged from hospital on Friday after a two-week stay so that she could run with daughters Jenna, 20, and Emma, 19.

"It means a lot to me to able to be here today to run the Race For Life," she said. "After doctors gave me the all clear to do the run I knew I had to overcome my medical problems.

"It is lovely to be able to do it with my daughters. We are running for my mum and dad, who both died of cancer. We managed to raise £400, which is a great effort. It is the first time we have done Race For Life, but we will make sure we are here every year from now on."

Jenny Mitchell, 61, a carer from Kings Heath, Exeter, took part in the Race for Life for the eighth time, and ran it with her granddaughter Stacey Banfield, 22.

"I really enjoy taking part in the Race For Life every year," Jenny said.

"I have lost lots of loved ones to cancer and I want to do all I can to help beat it. We have raised £150 for the charity."

Race For Life organiser Tori Webb said: "We are so thrilled to see so many people take part today and support Cancer Research UK.

"This is the first year we have had just one Race For Life event in the city so I'm happy to see a good turnout.

"Most importantly now, we urge women to return all their sponsorship money so that we can start putting the cash straight into cancer research."

For more information, contact 0871 641 1111 or visit www.raceforlife.org