MORE than 1,500 women braved the rain and blustery wind to raise money for cancer research in this year’s Burnley Race for Life.

The big-hearted fundraisers, many of whom had their own personal stories to motivate them, took to Towneley Park and raised £86,000 after completing the 5k event.

And they were praised afterwards by organisers, who said the bad weather did little to dampen spirits.

Competitors began arriving at 10am, with hundreds of brightly-dressed girls and ladies participating in a mass warm-up.

Then at 11am the race proper began.

Among the fundraisers was 25-year-old Sally Shufflebottom, of Houghton Avenue, Bacup, who was running in memory of her mum.

She said: “This is the fifth year I have done the race. My mum was diagnosed with stomach cancer in June 2009 and died five months later.

“My dad has had cancer too, so raising money for Cancer Research means a lot.

“Having said that, I had to walk it this year as I’m pregnant.”

Breast cancer survivor Rose Francis, 71, of Burnley Road, Todmorden, said: “I got cancer four years ago and I have got another year to go before the all-clear but I am ok to run this.

“Part of it is to say thank-you to the people who treated me. It is surprising how many people get breast cancer and everyone knows someone with cancer.”

Charlotte Miskell, 24, of Mount Pleasant, Worsthorne, was lining up with a group of four friends.

She said: “It is the first year I have done it but I was motivated by my dad, who had prostrate cancer. He is delighted I am doing it.”

Elaine Townson, 50, and daughter Rachel Townson, 24, of Higher Causeway, Barrowford, ran the route with their dogs.

They took part in memory of Elaine’s step-father, who died of cancer in December.

Elaine said: "It is sad that something like that has to happen before you take notice. This is the first time we have done the race but we will be doing it again next year."

Jackie Kelly, 43, of Stanhill Road, Oswaldtwistle, was doing the race with friends for the fourth time, although it was the first time in the Burnley event.

She said: "Some of us ran, some of us jogged and some of us walked, but the rain didn’t bother any of us.”

Afterwards, event manager Laura Taylor praised the fundraisers’ efforts.

She said: “I am so pleased that this many people got involved.

“The weather wasn't great which is a shame, but it brightened up in the end and people didn't seem too bothered by it anyway.

“Looking at the big smiles on their faces as they crossed the finish line I think that they all enjoyed themselves.

“I am very proud of those who turned up. I would like to thank them all - the money will go to a really great cause.”