HUNDREDS of people took to Down Grange to take part in this year's Race for Life event, organised by Cancer Research UK.

On the evening of Wednesday, July 10, Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life took place at Down Grange Sports Complex.

More than 1,000 people of all ages, abilities, shapes and sizes showed their commitment to the cause as they went round the five-kilometre course.

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

They’re asking them to make every step count by returning their fundraising as soon as possible so that it can be used to fund life-saving research.

Cancer Research UK’s event manager, Courtney Culverhouse, said: “Life-saving research is being funded right now thanks to people like the people of Basingstoke 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 Basingstoke and across the UK and we’d like to thank everyone who took part in the event on Wednesday.

“I’d also like to say thank you to all our suppliers and volunteers; we simply could not have put the event on without them.

“The atmosphere on the day 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 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 donate, to return the money they’ve raised as soon as possible. Through the event, we are hoping to raise £46,500 and 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.”

A team from Bewley Homes, the Bewley Bugs, managed to raise more than £2,400 for the charity in their ninth year of taking part.

The Baughurst-based developer takes part with a different theme each year, and this year was ladybirds.

Sales and Marketing Director Elaine Stratford, said: “The Bewley Bugs had a wonderful time at the Race for Life and are really grateful to all those who sponsored us. Every one of us has been touched by cancer in some way, and that’s why it’s so vital to support the work of Cancer Research UK.”

Fundraising 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.