Thousands run and walk to raise money for cancer research

Women of all ages took on the challenge at The Rye in High Wycombe to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

There were friends and families cheering the ladies on, which created a great atmosphere.

Megan Styles, 13, from Tylers Green came in first who was running in memory of her granddads, Bob and Fred.

Sara Mauthoor, 35, who was running as part of Team Goldfinchs, came in second and in third place was Beth Daines, 14.

This year's campaign slogan was "Cancer, we're coming to get you" and there were many women running for causes close to their heart.

Val Sheehan inspired the Val's Motley Crue team- which had 21 women. Val, 46, is receiving treatment at the moment for breast cancer after being diagnosed in January. She said: "It is the one day I haven't cried in a week. I have massive support from family and friends.

"The day is brilliant. Never before have I had this much reason to do it- it is very uplifting."

Linda's Ladies were taking part for Linda Crane, who died in March from ovarian cancer.

The group of four, Tracey, Liz, Sam and Maxine, all worked with Linda at Amersham Hospital.

Liz said: "She didn't really know she had it until the end which was so sad. She thought she had something else that would get better. She was a lovely lady."

Heidi Phippen was joining in with her friend, Anna Williams who was 25 weeks pregnant, and her mum, Debbie Sharples.

Debbie was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in December and had just finished having treatment. She said: "It is a very special day. I want to help others now after what I have been through."

Lesley Whitehouse was walking in memory of her mum, Vicky Morley, who died in 2000, her dad, Graham Morley, who died in 2007 and her granddad, Sidney Atkins who passed away in 2001, all from cancer.

She said: "It is a great day. It is not really formal. You don't have to run and there is no pressure on you."

Her friend, Julie Martin, was taking on the challenge with her daughter Claire Glenister, in memory of her dad, Harry Bolter, who died in 1982 from lung cancer.

Maria Sagar was running for her dad, John, who died from Lymphoma in 2011. She said: "It is very emotional. It is nice to think you are doing something and raising a bit of money."

Julie and daughter, Sam Bailey were running for their mum and granny, Margaret, who died about eight years ago from stomach cancer, aged 64.

Michelle and her daughter, Jamie, and step children Charlie and Clarice, were doing the 5km together.

Michelle is a survivor of Hodgkin's disease and now has TTP. They were also taking part for her partner's dad, Charlie O'Neill who died in November from bowel cancer.

Best friend Claire was walking in memory of her nan, Vera Sabatine, who died from ovarian cancer in 2005.

Georgia was running with her friend Karys. Georgia's mum, Debbie Hay, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 and is hoping to get the all clear soon.

Alison, from Totteridge, was running for Mandy Harris.

The Hughenden Posse had 12 women taking part, who had all lost someone close to them recently.

Sophie Da'Silva and Leanne Price were walking to help fight cancer. Sophie said: "We want to help find a cure."

Julie Needle was joining in with the her daughter, Alice, in memory of her sister, Jane Brindle who died 20 years ago, aged 36.

A group of women from Amersham wearing pink playsuits were taking part and between them had raised £1,000. Five women were there as part of the Pixie Chicks.

And 19 women were there as part of the Penn Street Pubsters.

Annabel's Angels were running in memory of Annabel Hancox who died from breast cancer in December.

She was a regular contributer to an online breast cancer support group, which one of the team, Rachel Fryer, was part of. Rachel has been having treatment for a year for breast cancer.

Samina Ali was running as part of team of 10. Her dad died when she was a young girl from lung cancer and her mum passed away from breast cancer in 2010.

She said: "It means a lot to us. I have seen a difference in research to when my dad passed away when I was six to when my mum passed away. It is something I am very passionate about."