THEY came in their thousands, but all shared just one goal - to beat cancer.

Women clad in pink raced around Poole Park to raise funds for Cancer Research UK's 5k Race for Life on Sunday, many with cards listing their reasons to race pinned to their backs.

See all the pictures from the 5k race at Poole Park in a gallery 

And there were tears for those taken by the disease during a minute-long silence held before the race began.

Among those lining up to take part were sisters Natasha Norman, from Swanage, and Maria Mooney, from Poole, who both work as nurses.

Natasha, who cares for patients at Swanage Hospital, said: "I think it's so great to see so many people out today.

"It helps to spread the word and put it out there - don't be afraid to talk about cancer.

"That's the main thing for me. Don't be scared to have the conversation."

Maria, who works at the Forest Holme Hospice, said she often helps to care for those diagnosed with cancer who are coming to the end of their lives.

"It's really nice to see this many people here," she said.

For Rachel Spence, of Poole, there were no fears about the three-mile course through the park.

Ahead of the race - which she ran with friend Fiona Fryer - she said: "It's the 10th year I've done it.

"I'm running this year for my auntie, my friend and my friend's mum. I just decided to take part for the first time 10 years ago with some work colleagues. When I left that job, I wanted to continue with it, because it's such a lovely event. The atmosphere is always wonderful and I love to help raise money."

Shanie Brown, manager of Cancer Research UK's Ringwood shop, said: "Events like this help raise funds for vital research into cancer, so it's always so brilliant to come and support the people taking part.

"It's always emotional for me to see. I've worked for Cancer Research for the last 20 years, and I'm always so shocked to see how many people come along to participate. We just couldn't do it without them."

The brave daughters of Daily Echo blogger Nikki Hastings helped motivate runners during the warm-up before the race began.

Leah and Megan Hastings, who live in Christchurch, spoke out to encourage participants to return donations.

One in three Race for Life runners fail to return their sponsorship money, a spokesperson from Cancer Research UK said.

Nikki died from cancer on June 25 last year, just days after celebrating her 40th birthday.

Her family believe advances through research gave them six more precious years with her, after she was initially given just months to live in 2008.

Leah, 10, and eight-year-old Megan told runners: “Cancer Research UK’s work was vital for Mum’s clinical trial.

“This is why it is so important to return sponsor money, so they can continue to search for a cure and give people like our Mum more time with their families."