CANOEISTS from the city joined thousands of other women in the Race for Life through the streets of Worcester yesterday.

Worcester Canoe Club entered the fund-raising event in memory of their coach, Alan Edwards, who died of cancer three years ago.

Pink signs attached to their T-shirts highlighted the tragic case of Mr Edwards, who had canoed for Great Britain in the Olympics in Mexico 1968 and Munich 1972.

"We are all runners and like to keep pretty fit anyway, and the chance to raise money for cancer research and run in an event like this was perfect," said Debra Parker, whose mother Janet was also taking part.

Fifteen-year-old twins Claire and Laura Moran, from Christopher Whitehead High School, were also thrilled with the chance to run for such a good cause.

"Alan Edwards used to coach us and it is fitting that we are running for him today because we have just won a number of canoeing medals thanks to all his excellent teaching," said Claire.

And their mother, Jayne Moran, was keen to make the most of the weather and the occasion.

"An event like this will be emotional but I think it's important to have a lot of fun and enjoy the day," she said. "The chance to raise money and awareness for cancer research is a fantastic opportunity."