THE Race For Life is a runaway success story. Every year it gets bigger and better.

What a remarkable achievement by the organisers. Six years ago, the first York Race For Life attracted a field of a few hundred. Now it is one of the highlights of the summer calendar, with a record 5,500 women taking part yesterday.

Every participant has their own story of heartache and hope to tell. Many women become involved in honour of a friend or relative they have lost to cancer. There could be no more fitting memorial.

By running the Race For Life, the women have set an inspirational example. Individually, each participant has recorded a personal achievement. Together they have raised a staggering £300,000 for Cancer Research and incalculable awareness too.

All the runners have taken us a step closer to the end of the road for cancer

Updated: 11:14 Thursday, July 15, 2004