A GROUP of women from Barmouth and the surrounding areas have banded together to raise thousands of pounds for a cause close to their hearts.

The eight women, who call themselves the ‘Barmouth Belles’, took part in the Race For Life for Cancer Research UK and raised more than £2,000.

Wendy Hunter, Pauline Owen, Sharon Cooney, Debbie Rogers, Gill Martin, Ronni Roberts, Pam Payton and Rosemarie Martin have been friends for years and, after one of their weekly catch ups, decided to do something for the greater good.

Pauline, who overcame cancer 20 years ago, told the Cambrian News: “All of us have been affected by cancer, one way or another.

“We decided to try and do something to help others who are facing the same condition and the Race for Life seemed like a sensible way to do it. We ran 5km and managed to raise £2,307 between us which Cancer Research UK has acknowledged. A few of us had Justgiving pages but some of us took sponsor forms into work and places like that.

“We were pleased to raise money for such a good cause.”