Local Race for Life trebles 2022’s total

The event in May attracted more than 750 people, who set off from KGV to do a 3km or 5km run or walk around Saumarez Park and back.

While the total funds raised stood at £22,000 immediately after the event, the money continued to increase as more people donated.

Cancer Research UK Guernsey branch chairman Bryan Lean praised the organisers and entrants for their efforts.

‘We are so very grateful to them, to the fun-loving participants and all of you generous souls who helped raise £30,000 on the day,’ he said.

‘This achievement guarantees the advancement of essential research in Southampton to help change the course of cancer for many patients in the future.’

Head organiser Dani Barnett said she was immensely proud of everyone involved in making the event such a success.

‘Never in my wildest dreams did I think we could raise this amount of money for Cancer Research UK Guernsey Branch,’ said Mrs Barnett, herself a carrier of a gene which means she has a higher cancer risk.

This was only the second time the event had been held since the UK charity said it was unable to continue to organise a Race For Life in the island.

Last year, the local event raised £10,000.

‘In two years, we’ve raised close to £40,000 that will go towards fighting back against cancer,’ said Mrs Barnett.

‘It really has made all the hours spent organising this event and all the efforts of our participants, sponsors and supports so very worthwhile. We cannot thank you enough.’

The run was sponsored by Bright Electrical, which has agreed to back it for another three years.

Mrs Barnett and the rest of the team are already preparing for next year’s event and hope for similar success.