THE final total raised at this year’s Yate Relay for Life has been revealed.

The 24-hour event in July has pulled in a total of £37,693 in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Chairman of the organising committee, Helene Craddock, said: “I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for helping us create and make Relay for Life happen.

“From being a stall holder to providing bunting or prizes, all our helpers have all been invaluable.”

Teams took to Yate Outdoor Sports Complex over a 24-hour period in July to run, walk, dance and skip round the athletics track, with one member of each team on the track at any one time, for the now annual sponsored event.

Many donned fancy dress outfits and colourful costumes for themed laps and an African drumming band and a DJ helped keep the atmosphere lively. Survivors took to the track for the opening lap and a poignant candlelit ceremony in memory of loved ones was also held at dusk.

Off the track, this year’s event saw the addition of a relay hub which provided somewhere for people to meet, learn more about cancer and donate a candle bag. A cancer awareness clinic was held where participants and supporters could get any worrying moles checked out by a dermatologist.

There were also cake and jewellery stalls and a stage featuring live band including Cherry Red and DJ Dom Walker. A Great Relay Bake Off competition was judged by Cancer Research UK representative Kate Constance.

Added Mrs Craddock, who has herself survived cancer: “We have smashed last year’s total and hopefully next year we can beat it again.

“This money has and will enable Cancer Research UK to do some amazing work. Yate Relay has directly contributed to making sure one in two people who have cancer survive longer than 10 years.

“This money will be used in various different ways, from buying microscopes and thermometers to directly funding trails.”

She added: “Relay 2015 planning is set to start very shortly and we are planning to make it our best yet for a 10th birthday bash.”