HUNDREDS of men, women and children united against cancer on Wednesday evening (June 5) by taking part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life at Harbour Car Park in Penzance.

More than 600 participants of all ages, abilities, shapes and sizes showed their incredible commitment to the cause as they took their place at the start line to help beat cancer sooner.

Now organisers of the event are sending a heartfelt message of thanks to everyone who took part and all of their supporters.

And they’re asking them to make every step count by paying in their sponsorship money as soon as possible so that it can be used to fund lifesaving research.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is a series of events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.

Ruth Chamings, Cancer Research UK’s Penzance events manager, said: “Life-saving research is being funded right now thanks to people like the mums, dads, nans, grandpas, brothers, sisters, friends and workmates of Penzance who joined the fight at Race for Life.

“By taking part and raising money, our participants play a crucial role in helping to turn discoveries made in the lab into new, better treatments for patients in Cornwall and across the UK and we’d like to thank everyone who took part in the event on Wednesday.

“The atmosphere on the evening was hugely moving - full of emotion, courage, tears and laughter – as people came together to remember loved ones lost to cancer or celebrate the lives of those dear to them who have survived. Race for Life offers a unique opportunity for like-minded people to unite against a disease that affects us all in some way.

“Now we’re asking everyone who took part, and all the friends, family and colleagues who pledged to sponsor them, to return the money they’ve raised as soon as possible. Money raised - whether it’s £10 or £100 – will help Cancer Research UK scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease, helping save more lives.”

One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives, but the good news is more people are surviving the disease now than ever before. Cancer survival in the UK has doubled since the early 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress.

Sponsorship money can be paid online, by phone, by cheque or in person at a Cancer Research UK shop.

For information on returning sponsorship money, or to make a donation, visit raceforlife.org