NEARLY 1,000 pink-clad participants took part in this year’s Race For Life in Poole.

Baiter Park was packed with runners, joggers and walkers today, all champing at the bit to do their part in the fight against cancer.

The 5k took its runners to Poole Park, Whitecliff Recreational Ground and Harbourside.

Among the participants was Sandra McClumpha who took part with her daughter, sister, nieces and granddaughter.

Known as Sam, her 60th birthday celebrations are on hold until she and her husband, Andrew, return to full heath after their own individual battles with the disease.

In March, nearly a year to the day that they found out Andrew, 64, was overcoming Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Sam was diagnosed with breast cancer.

She had to undergo a full mastectomy and was taking part in Poole’s Race For life surrounded by her family.

The couple, from Corfe Mullen, have been trying to raise awareness of cancer and say they owe a great deal to the “amazing and dedicated team” at Poole Hospital.