HORSES and riders decked out in pink took to Gartmorn Dam to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

The Ride for Research event on Sunday, September 24, was organised by Wee County women Carol McLean and Lynne Clark, who are no strangers to the impact of the condition.

They and their trusty steeds, Huni and Flash, were well supported on the day, with a number also turning out to take part on foot.

Carol, from Clackmannan, said: “The day was a massive success with 19 horses and riders; many also walked along too with dogs.

“We raised £650 with donations still coming in and Ride for Research doubling their target of £10,000 by raising over £21,000, again with cash still coming in.”

Carol lost her mum to breast cancer and the decision to wear pink was a nod to her own experiences.

Lynn, originally from Dunfermline, has also been affected by cancer as her husband’s parents died from the condition, as well as both her grandparents and her best friend when she was 17.

And her horse, Flash, had his own reasons for doing the event, as he previously had cancer.

Two days after buying him, Lynn found a lump which turned out to be melanoma, and it was surgically removed to give him a clean bill of health.

Ride for Research gave horse-riders across the country the chance to take part in a sponsored hack across the same weekend, in order to raise awareness and money for the national charity.

There were smiles all round despite the dreary weather and the duo managed to cover 15km on the day.

Carol said: “The day wouldn’t have been such a success without everyone’s donations.”