A sea of pink flooded a riverside park as more than a thousand women took part in Ilkley’s first Race for Life.

A total of 1,216 women – dressed in pink wigs, feather boas, T-shirts and tutus – took part in the 5k run today in a bid to raise £125,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Many of those at the starting line in East Holmes Field, Denton Road, had been personally affected by cancer, including Nicola Wardill, who spoke to the crowd before the race began.

She said: “I was diagnosed four years ago to the very day with a very, very rare cancer.

“I’m very pleased to say that thanks to research and medical care, I’m still alive today.”

There was a minute’s silence to remember those who had died and a round of applause for people who have beaten cancer.

Teacher Julia Wilson, of Cambridge Drive, Otley, was taking part in the event after her uncle, Barrie Cholerton died last year, aged 80.

She was also celebrating the life of cousin Irene Cholerton, who was 51 when she died of cancer, and former colleague at Otley All Saints Primary School, Corrine Latham.

“I’m doing this in memory of them all,” said Mrs Wilson.

A ten-strong team calling themselves The Pink Fizz Girls came to support the fundraising effort. Team leader Clare Boyle said: “We all get together for pink fizz nights, so we thought we would all get together to raise some money for Cancer research.”

Meanwhile, youngsters and their parents enjoyed a free day of fun to mark the opening of Ilkley Lido for the summer.

To mark the grand opening, Bradford Council waived fees for attractions which include its indoor pool, outdoor Lido, tennis courts, climbing wall and putting green. Some brave souls braved temperatures of just above 12 degrees celsius by taking a plunge into the Lido.

  • Read the full story in Monday's T&A