Walkers stride out in fight against cancer. GALLERY.

AROUND 600 walkers – many dressed in pink – strode out to support Weston Park Hospital's fight against women's cancers.

The annual Think Pink event raises vital funds for research and to improve the treatments of female cancers.

Walkers took a stroll along the Five Weirs Walk – from Meadowhall to Victoria Quays – a distance of about three-and-a-half miles.

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Many had strong personal reasons for taking part, including Douglas Longstaff, aged 87, who has been walking since the event was first organised about 12 years ago.

Douglas, of Woodthorpe, was accompanied by his son John, 58, of Mosborough, and grandson Matthew, 25.

"It was a fantastic day, the weather was good and we enjoyed it," said John, who is also a veteran of 12 walks.

Douglas said he was determined to take part in the walk despite having been through an eye operation just days earlier – and is motivated to raise funds because several female members of the family have ldied from cancer.

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John said that Douglas and his mother Kathleen became foster parents to her three younger sisters, after their parents died.

Sadly, over the years all three sisters died after having cancer.

Together, John and Douglas have raised around 550 for Weston Park Hospital Cancer Appeal.

John said: "It was very enjoyable."

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Also taking part were friends and family of Greystones grandmother Wendy Jankowski, who died of breast cancer in July aged 51 – about three years after diagnosis.

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Her family and friends were devastated by their loss but pulled together and decided to try to save other lives by raising money. About 15 supporters took part.

One of the walkers was 52-year-old Kathleen Troughton, who also suffered from breast cancer and was best friends with Wendy from the age of four.

She said: "I am devastated by her death and this walk was very emotional for me. I feel very lucky to have found such a wonderful friend, who was my soulmate."

The group hope to have raised hundreds of pounds.

Weston Park Hospital is one of only three dedicated cancer hospitals in the UK and a world leader in research.

The walk was one of a series of events taking place in Sheffield this month to raise awareness of breast, ovarian and other female cancers.

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