AS Kathy Sheehan ran through University Parks in Oxford yesterday, there were three very special people at the front of her mind.

The 55-year-old, from the city centre, was one of more than 6,100 women who took part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.

She was running for mum Dorothy Sheehan, who was only 48 when she died from cancer 13 years ago, and also in memory of her two brothers Rodney Steptoe who died in 2010 and Melvin Sheehan, who died in 2011, both from cancer.

She said: “I take part every year; this is my fourth time.

“I think about everyone who has lost their lives. It is a horrible thing to have to go through.”

The sea of pink flowed through University Parks as women battled the heat to complete the 5k route. And whether running or walking, each one had an emotional story to tell about their connection to the disease.

The charity hopes to raise more than £350,000 from the event, which will fund vital research into treating the disease and an eventual cure.

A group of about 30 friends and family joined ‘Team Gail’ in memory of Sandhills Primary School teaching assistant Gail Eastwood, who died following a battle with breast cancer in February.

Friend Rachael Pitt, 39, from Risinghurst, said: “We are running for Gail because we all miss and love her – and because we want to raise money for cancer research.”

Thirty-five friends and family of Anna Sarphie, a mother of two from Bampton who is being treated for breast cancer, took part as a team of ‘Anna’s Angels’.

They have already raised more than £4,500.

Dr Sarphie’s sister, mum-of-two Emily Burden, 42, grew up in Islip, and now lives in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. She said: “Anna has done many Races for Life without realising just how important cancer research would be to her later in life.”

She added: “Anna has been extremely positive and determined throughout her treatment. She has been an inspiration to us all.”

Claire Fidler, Emma Bunce and daughter Jessica Bunce, all from Didcot, and Pauline Hawley from Chalgrove, took part in memory of husband, brother and son-in-law Peter Fidler who died, aged 40, from bowel cancer six years ago.

His widow, Mrs Fidler said: “He would have thought that us taking part was highly hilarious.”

She added: “I think a cure for cancer will be found. It is what you hope for isn’t it?”

Glenn Dearlove, from Cholsey, near Wallingford, was supporting his wife Becky Dearlove. He was with their daughter Izzy, three.

He said: “I am very proud of Becky today.”

Cancer Research UK’s event manager Simon Burley said yesterday: “It was amazing. The entire start field was a sea of pink.

“It was fantastic to hear people shouting ‘cancer we are coming to get you’ together. It was a united effort.”