After weeks of training, the JCI London Hot Pink Ladies (me, Soraya Bowen, Sofie Sandell and Alexandra Illsley) took part in the 5K Race for Life on 17^th July at Hyde Park. When we arrived, an awesome sea of pink greeted us as over 11,000 women of all ages had gathered to run in aid of Cancer Research UK.....along with a few dogs dressed in pink tutus! The atmosphere was incredible. Many women had their reasons for running printed on message cards on their backs and it was quite poignant reading the inscriptions dedicated to loved ones who had been lost to the disease.

We started off with an energetic group warm up (not an easy feat on a Sunday morning!) and were separated into runners, joggers and walkers. As we were in the runners group (which was a bit optimistic on my part!), we were first to the starting line and as soon as Jamie Theakston gave us the signal, off we went!  We were hoping that the weather would be kind to us but shortly after we started the heavens opened and the rain gave everyone a good soaking. Fortunately Sofie had bought some waterproof ponchos for us so we got off quite lightly compared to some of the other runners. I think the ladies in the shower caps had the right idea....

In spite of the torrential rain, our spirits remained high as we were cheered on by the public and the volunteers who stood at every kilometre along the route willing us on. Part of the way through we got separated but after 35 minutes, I saw the last 500m sign and sprinted towards the finishing line. It was a great feeling to hear the cheering and clapping as I crossed the line to be handed the silver medal that is handed out to all the runners who complete the course, not to mention the pink goody bag full of treats! After meeting up with the others, we all headed off to the pub to enjoy a well earned lunch and to celebrate our achievement with our JCI colleagues which was a great way to end the day.  

The Race for Life was a fantastic event to be a part of and we would like to say a big thank you to everyone who sponsored us and for your good luck messages.

To date we have managed to raise £405 but you can still donate to this worthy cause by going to our just giving page at http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/JCIHotPinkLadies

Well done to all the fabulous JCI Hot Pink Ladies!!

Mehnaz Siddiqui