CROSSING the finish line was a happy achievement for all the thousands of women who took part, but it meant something extra special for one 30-year-old.

When Loti Jackson strode over the 10km line in Stanmer Park on Saturday, it marked the final step of 300 miles and her survival against the odds.

She had run run week-by-week to complete that distance over the past year and raise nearly £1,000 for Cancer Research UK, after getting the all clear from skin cancer in 2013.

Speaking after finishing Race For Life at Stanmer Park on Saturday, the Lindfield resident said: "I just feel on top of the world. I feel so absolutely blessed to have had the opportunity to fight cancer.

"And being told that you have the all clear, I just want everyone fighting cancer to be able to have that opportunity."

More than 2,000 women and girls did the 10km and 5km Race for Life routes on Saturday, most wearing some form of pink and many decked out in fancy dress including boas, cowboy hats and pink wigs.

Many were taking part in the Cancer Research UK fundraiser in memory of a relative, friend or work colleague who had died while others were doing it to mark their own survival from the disease.

Lorraine Pellett, 52, was part of a formidable team of 15 drawn from three generations of her extended family.

Her team, Sylvia's Army, ran in memory of her mother Sylvia Pickett and other friends and relatives, and included Sylvia's great granddaughter Maisie Sparks, 11.

"We want a cure, we need a cure," said Ms Pellett, from Patcham.

"It's great to see everyone here; it's inspirational."

Also running as a family were Di Edmonds-Jarman, 41 and her mother Jane Edmonds-Jarman, 66.

They have run together in the race as the Pink Prancers for about 14 years, after Mrs Edwards-Jarman's mother-in-law was diagnosed with cancer, followed by other close relatives.

"Seeing everyone together is just amazing," she said. "We have got to beat cancer. We want to find a cure and support everyone."

The pair typically raise about £200 each every year, meaning they have contributed thousands life-saving research.

Calling themselves the Hot Pink Mamas, friends Christine Gates, 48, Emma Burton, 31, and Kaz Emery, 36, met at a baby group and decided to run together to help others and have fun.

Ms Burton gave birth to her fourth child, Elliot, only seven weeks ago, but was determined to take part.

"I just wanted to help and to experience the race," she said.

Ms Gates' niece is doing a master's in biomedical research with hopes of finding a cancer cure after her mother suffered breast cancer.

"We want to raise as much money as possible," Ms Gates said.

"No research gets carried out without funding, and funding needs people like here to help."

On Saturday there there was the traditional 5km and 10km races, while on Sunday racers could also take part in the popular Pretty Muddy obstacle course.

On Sunday the brave runners got completely covered in mud in what was fantastic fun, the fundraisers looking like they had spent the day at Glastonbury by the time they reached the end of the course.

Rachel Kirkwood, from Hove, raced the 10k on Saturday inspired by a friend aged in her 30s who is in remission.

She said: "It's been great - it's helped me to lose loads of weight and I am hoping to keep it up afterwards. "Hopefully we will raise as much money as we can.

"I have been just plugging and plugging it and begging all friends and family and everyone who will sponsor me.

"I am not a runner - normally I run to the pub."

TAKE A GREAT SELFIE AT RACE FOR LIFE AND WIN A TABLET COMPUTER

We're looking for the best selfie taken at one of the three Brighton Race for Life events.

The winner - which will be picked by a panel of judges at The Argus - will relieve a tablet computer worth £99.

Tesco is celebrating their 15th anniversary in partnership with Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.

To mark this special occasion, they have kindly donated a hudl to our winning entry.

All you have to take your selfie and email it to: digital@theargus.co.uk including your name and the names of those in the picture, where you are from and a contact telephone number.

Entries to this competition close on Monday July 4, 2016 at 23.59. Usual Argus competition rules apply.

The Argus: Tesco supports Race for Life