Aberdeen beachfront was awash with pink positivity as hundreds turned out to raise money for cancer research.
Around 1,500 people signed-up to take part in the annual Race for Life, which was held at King’s Links on the Beach Esplanade.
Runners of all ages donned bright pink t-shirts – matching the official colour of charity Cancer Research UK – with some going the extra mile wearing tutus, hats and all manners of glittery accessories.
And between those taking part in the 5K and 10K runs, tens of thousands of pounds were raised in donations and sponsorships.
Aberdeen youngster Amy-Lee Macdonald was picked to ring the bell and mark the start of the 5K run.
She had to spend five weeks in intensive care in Edinburgh after being diagnosed with peripheral T-cell lymphoma and the rare life-threatening condition haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, which affected her immune system.
#RaceforLife #aberdeen 5K started by the inspirational cancer survivor Amy-Lee who this week celebrated her 13th birthday. Pls RT to wish Amy a very happy birthday. @northsound1 @EveningExpress @pressjournal pic.twitter.com/UY8CmHrYzc
— CRUK in Scotland (@CRUKScotland) June 9, 2019
Now back at school at Lochside Academy, and having just celebrated her 13th birthday, she said she was “very excited” about taking part.
Amy-Lee added: “If my story can help stop other people going through what I did then I couldn’t be prouder.
“I’m so glad to be well again. I hated missing out on school and seeing my friends because of cancer.”
Her mum Kirsty added: “Cancer research has always been important to us but when you go through it personally it’s a bit more significant.
“Amy-Lee has been involved in quite a lot of research and without organisations like Cancer Research UK it would not have been possible.”
She said: “The support Amy-Lee has drummed-up from family and friends, and even people we don’t know, has been amazing.
“And events like this are a nice way to celebrate that.”
Race for Life offered others a chance to remember loved ones they have lost.
Katrina Forrest said: “My grandma died of cancer 13 years ago, and my husband’s grandma died of cancer earlier this year.
“So, this is something nice we can do to raise money for research.”
Carrie Robertson has been taking part in the event for the last three years following the death of a relative from breast cancer.
“It’s lovely when you walk in and just see a sea of pink,” she said.
“This is something so close to so many people’s hearts – everybody knows somebody who has been affected by cancer in some form.”