Organisers of a north-east charity event have revealed how much this year’s event raised – and that it has taken them beyond the £1.2million mark.
Peterhead’s Relay for Life event has now raised £1.2million for Cancer Research UK since in the last decade.
This year, participants of the 24-hour run braved the rain to raise £181,420 for the cause.
Last year Fiona Harvey, the senior fundraiser manager for the charity, last night said she could not thank the people of the town enough for their continued support.
“To have raised £181,000 in 2015 and over £1.2million since the start of the event 10 years ago is phenomenal and a testament to the hard work that the committee and participants put in to making this event a success,” she added.
The event’s chairwoman, Lorraine Coleman, added that her thanks were with everyone – including local businesses – who donated to and sponsored the event.
“We also wish to thank our many volunteers who added to making this relay such a success,” she said.
“The secret behind our success is definitely the commitment of the teams and committee, and the total support of the north-east public. Spirit really is the word, there’s about 50-weeks work that goes into the event.
“My message to anyone thinking of taking part next year is just do it. You will get an amazing experience and satisfaction from it.”
Next year’s relay will take place on July 2. Teams are understood to have already begun fundraising.
Despite rain blighting much of this year’s rally, which took place last month, more than 600 people lined the track at Catto Park to cheer on racers and cancer survivors.
Earlier this year, the team behind Relay For Life Peterhead were honoured for their years of fundraising at Cancer Research UK’s Flame of Hope Awards.
The cancer charity’s annual awards ceremony recognise the efforts of fundraisers and volunteers across the country.
And in 2014, Relay for Life Peterhead became the first event of its kind in the UK to raise more than £1million for the charity’s work.
Dr Harpal Kumar, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, said groups like the Relay for Life Peterhead allowed the charity to progress the fight against cancer.