Race For Life In Southampton

14 July 2013, 04:00

More than 6,000 women are raising money for cancer research at the Southampton Race For Life.

It's taking place at the Common on Sunday 14 July, with two races for the ladies to run, or walk. The first is at 9am and the second starts at 11.30.

The aim is to raise £350,000 for the charity Cancer Research UK.

Area manager Rachel Northover, said:

"It's a huge achievement and they're doing it because of some reason very close to their heart. Perhaps they've lost someone to cancer or perhaps they're doing it in celebration of someone who's survived. It does get very emotional.

"Everyone perhaps has had their own cancer journey, but this is one small journey they don't go on alone. It's very much about women uniting.

"I think it's such a popular event because it's such a beautiful course. You're running around lovely tree-lined areas, nice and flat. A really lovely course for those taking part."

Among those are staff, customers and friends joining together to honour a 27-year-old fitness instructor from The Rapids in Romsey, who died late last year of a rare brain tumour.

Nikki Lewis worked at the Rapids for six years before she died last October after developing a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. She was also studying to be a physiotherapist at Southampton University.