A PINK army marched in defiance around Garon Park, Southend, as women and children united against cancer.

More than 1,500 women of all ages and children ran, jogged or walked the 5km Race for Life in aid of Cancer Research UK on Sunday.

Some were kitted out in Lycra shorts and running shoes, others opted for pink wigs, tiaras, feather boas or tutus.

But whether they wanted to finish first or just finish, they were all there to help find a cure for cancer.

Organiser Courtney Culverhouse said: “We are a pink army.

“It’s about rallying everyone together, being defiant and showing cancer hell hath no fury like a woman in pink!”

Many who took part wore a sign on their back bearing the name of someone close to them they were running for, whether it was their nan, sister, grandad, husband or friend.

Others were competing after tackling cancer themselves.

There were smiles everywhere you looked, as people shared memories of lost loved ones, safe in the knowledge they were not alone in their grief.

And there were a few tears as some losses were still raw, but there was always a hand to hold and a friendly shoulder to cry on.

Liz Williams, 22, from Thorpe Bay, got up on stage to recount her survival of breast cancer.

Miss Williams was given the allclear just a month after diagnosis, in November, but is still undergoing chemotherapy.

She said: “When I was diagnosed, I was horrified and really scared.

“I asked if I was going to die, that was my first question.

“I got the all-clear in December – it only took 22 days. My dad’s mum died of breast cancer 40 years ago, so it shows how far treatment has come.”

Her mum, Melanie, said: “I’m so proud of Lizzie and the way she has handled it.

“It’s great to be involved in something so huge.

“Cancer Research UK has obviously helped her to get through it, so we want to give our time and money to help them.”

A group of women from Southend and Maldon in pink “Team Kyle” T-shirts were running for their friend Kyle Campbell, who has stage four cancer of the kidney.

Mr Campbell, 32, from Maldon, said: “It’s great really. It means a lot to know everyone is going the extra mile.

“The drugs I’m on are only available because of things like this and the research it has funded.”

His wife, Becky, 31, said: “It’s really great everyone comes together.

“It’s a lovely atmosphere. You feel like you aren’t alone.”

Many women were taking part for the third, fourth or fifth time, drawn back by the feeling of support, camaraderie and fun.

Others were taking part in their first race.

The race was for women and children only, but plenty of fathers, husbands, sons, brothers and friends came down to show their support.

As the women lined up to start the race, the men were left standing alone, looking slightly redundant but trying to appear as macho as they could while clutching pink imitation flowers they had gained by making a donation to the charity.

Between 60 and 70 volunteers helped make the event a success. It is expected to raise about £130,000 to fund research.

Among them were Southend Air Cadets, who put up and took down all the stalls and handed out medals and water at the finish line.

The top three finishers on the day were, in first place, ten-yearold James Edwards, second, nineyear- old Ruby Muffet and third Cara Herman.