Strides made in cancer marked

Dozens of people whose lives have been affected by cancer took to a Telford athletics track to remember loved ones.

Between 80 to 90 people took part in the Relay for Life event at Oakengates Leisure Centre on Saturday to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Nine teams of up to 15 people walked, skipped, crawled and ran around the athletics track in a 22-hour relay to celebrate the strides being made to beat cancer.

The event started at noon when a group of cancer survivors made a lap of honour and tucked into a buffet lunch before officially declaring the event open.

Once the walkers were under way, their spirits were kept up by entertainment. Gymnasts from Newport Gymnastics Club put on a display of their talents and there were also demonstrations of t'ai chi and aikido.

Spectators were encouraged to light a candle in memory of loved ones fighting the disease or who have succumbed to cancer, during a ceremony in the evening.

The event raised about £11,000 which the relay's chairman, Sarah Haugh, hailed as a "fantastic" achievement.

"It was a fabulous day and everyone taking part contributed to what was a fantastic event," she said.

"The Relay for Life is held all over the world... and there are 113 relays happening in the UK alone this year."