Charity is the winner in city's Race for Life; Thousands in cancer research run.

Byline: TINA MILES

WOMEN joined together in their thousands to walk, jog or run the Liverpool Race for Life at Aintree racecourse..

It is hoped the two Race for Life events, which took place yesterday, will raise pounds 266,000 to help beat cancer.

The terminally-ill mum of young twins was guest of honour at the Cancer Research UK event.

Leanne George, 37, from Burscough, got the race underway before cheering on her mum and sister from the sidelines.

Both Mrs George and her mum Shelagh Bright, 64, from For mby, hit the limelight after Mrs Bright won GMTV's Britain's Best Mum competition earlier this yea r.

Mrs George, who is married to Steve, became pregnant with twins Charlotte and Alexander in 2007. She collapsed at home in July 2008and underwent tests which revealed she had four brain tumours. Mrs George, who worked as a manager for US Airways in Liverpool, was given just 16 months to live.

She said: "We have been enjoying holidays and creating lots of picture and video memories for the twins.

"I have the most amazing mum, gorgeous husband and the most supportive family and friends.

"We hope that by raising money for Cancer Research UK we can make a difference to stop other families in the future having to go through our heartache."

In 2008,13,000 women took part in Race for Life at venues all over Merseyside helping raise pounds 658,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Last year the charity invested more than pounds 1m on research in Merseyside.

Cancer Research UK event manager Helen Wright said: "We were honoured Leanne set the participants off at Race for Life in Aintree.

"We are extremely grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life and raised money to fund our work."

For information on returning sponsorship money or to make a donation visit www.raceforlife.org.

CAPTION(S):

Elaine Law and Emily Hudson Runners limber up Ladies from Arena Housing get ready for the Race for Life, at Aintree