HUNDREDS of determined fundraisers, cancer survivors and volunteers joined forces at a special event in Yate which raised over £20k. 

A total of 190 team members across over 20 teams kept one member on the track at all times during the 24-hour annual event at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex, raising £21,285.66 for Cancer Research UK on July 6 and 7. 

There were many poignant moments during the event. 17 cancer survivors began the festivities with a moving ‘Lap of Honour’ for those who have been affected by the disease.

While later in the day, as darkness fell, candles dedicated in memory or celebration of loved ones were lit to honour every life touched by cancer as part of the moving Candle of Hope ceremony.

Team chair of Cancer Research UK’s Relay For Life in Yate, Rebecca Craddock, said: “This year’s Relay was amazing, with so many people from the local community uniting to celebrate, remember and fight back.

(Image: Rich McD) "We are beating cancer.

"Step by step, day by day.

"Cancer Research UK’s work means that many people with cancer live better lives through earlier diagnosis and kinder, more effective treatments.

"So, we’re grateful to all those who took part and we thank them for their incredible fundraising efforts that will help support the charity’s scientists to keep making new discoveries and breakthroughs.

“Nearly one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime.

"That’s why we hope even more teams will be inspired to play a part next year and help make more tomorrows possible for more people in Yate and across the UK.”

Cancer Research UK is the world’s largest charitable funder of cancer research and thanks to its supporters, the charity has helped to double cancer survival in the UK in the last 50 years. Taking part in events like Relay For Life, and raising vital funds, helps to power progress like this.