MORE than 700 people united against cancer on Sunday by taking part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life at Alexandra Park in Oldham.

Men, women and children 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.

The event was started by 15-year-old Kelsey Shyne-Slater, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at six months old, and was a guest starter at Race for Life in Oldham back in 2007 when she was just three.

Kelsey was given the all-clear last year and was joined by mum Melanie as she proudly rang the starter bell to set the participants off for the 5k event.

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

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is a series of 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy, Half Marathon and Hiking events which raises millions of pounds every year to find new ways to tackle cancer.

Kirsti Thompson, Cancer Research UK’s Oldham events manager, said: “Life-saving research is being funded right now thanks to the people of Oldham and beyond who join 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 Greater Manchester and across the UK and we’d like to thank everyone who took part in the event on Sunday.

“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 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.”

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 sign up to a future event, visit raceforlife.org.