Photos: Women in the pink for Race for Life at Sherborne Castle

A SEA of pink rippled its way around the grounds of Sherborne Castle on Sunday as more than 1,000 women ran in support of the fight against cancer.

Race For Life, the flagship fundraising event for Cancer Research, saw families, friends and colleagues from across south Somerset and Dorset take to the sodden track around the impressive landscape.

THEY'RE OFF: The runners get underway at Sherborne Castle for the 5k Race For Life. Pictures by Laura Jones WGLJ20120624D
SPECIAL MEANING: Wincanton duo Charlie Lock and Lisa Higgins ran to support family members who died of cancer.
CHEEKY MONKEYS: Alexis Vincent and Laurie Vincent were amongst the youngest to take part.
FAMILY FEELING: Relatives of Gordon Whaites who died in February last year travelled from Crewkerne and Martock to Sherborne Castle.
PINK LADIES: Libby Walters, Cully McDernid, Ann Burton, Millie Walters and Hannah Walters of Sherborne taking part in their third Race For Life.
SPECIAL DATE: Immy Rance, 13, Bronnie Nash, 12, and Mel Nash, of Evercreech, were running in memory of Dawn Higgins who died 11 years ago from leukaemia.
FANCY DRESS: Kelly Crabb, Jane Stone, Kirsty Riglar, Margaret Riglar, Ella Harvey and Sarah Harvey of Sherborne, dressed up as Wally from Where's Wally fame.
AMAZING EFFORT: Barbara Runcieman, Teresa Chivers, Rosie Light and Naomi Light, of Yeovil ran in memory of close family members who have died in the past two years.
SUPPORT GROUP: Lauren and Benita Gardiner of Yeovil running for their father and grandfather Leonard Berkley who has cancer.
FUN RUN: Staff of West Abbey Care Home in Yeovil prepare to run the 5k course in their pyjamas.
MEMORIAL RUN: Pupils, staff and parents from King's School in Bruton running in memory of Sophie Parr.
STRONG WILLED: Chloe Halkyard, 14, of Martock took on the Race For Life despite dislocating her left knee.

Every participant had their own heartfelt reasons for taking part in the challenge.

A group of 18 pupils, staff and parents from King's School in Bruton took part in memory of former deputy head girl Sophie Parr who died in December 2009.

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School librarian Bridget March said: "As a school the pupils have chosen Cancer Research UK as their adopted charity. We're running in memory of Sophie who was a very popular pupil. Her father Malcolm is a teacher at the school and we're running with Sophie's mother, Rosie."

Staff from West Abbey Care Home in Yeovil rolled out of bed to run in their pyjamas while clutching their favourite teddy bears.

Peta Williams, who organised the home's participation, said: "We all know people who have been affected by cancer and thought we would do our bit to help. It's freezing so maybe pyjamas wasn't the best idea but we're just up for a little fun."

Sherborne residents Libby Walters, Ann Burton, Hannah Walters, Cully McDernid and Millie Walters, were taking part in their third Race For Life. Together they hope to raise around £500.

Mrs Walters said: "Lots of family members have been affected by cancer and we just want to keep on raising money to help those with cancer and to do what we can to stop it."

Brave 14-year-old Chloe Halkward of Martock hobbled along the route despite dislocating her knee. Using crutches she tackled the course with her mum and sister.

"I'm running it for my grandmother and granddad and I'm determined to do all of it," she said.

Family members of Gordon Whaites travelled from Crewkerne and Martock to run in his memory.

Mr Whaites died from oesophagus cancer last year. His daughter Tracey Merchant said: "It is the first time we have done this and the whole family has come together. We've called ourselves Gordy's Girls."

In total, 1,766 took part in the event, raising thousands of pounds for Cancer Research.