Thousands of women pulled on their pink t-shirts and trainers for Watford's Race for Life at Cassiobury Park on Sunday to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Now the charity is calling on Watford’s formidable ‘Pink Army’ to make every step count by paying in their sponsorship money as soon as possible.

Last year 3,177 women took part in Race for Life in Watford and helped raise £239,000 for Cancer Research UK’s work.

This year the charity hopes the 2,369 who have entered will hit a fundraising target of £240,000.

Julie Braithwaite, Race for Life event manager for Watford, said: "I want to say a heartfelt thanks to everyone who took part in Race for Life, and their supporters, as well as our heroic volunteers.

"Despite drizzly rain, the Grimsdyke Brass Band performed, the Watford Joggers supplied all of our marshals, the local 4x4 recovery unit helped set up the course, the Rickmansworth and Watford Sea Cadets handed out our water and medals plus our numerous individual volunteers – ensured it was real community event.

"But as a resident of Watford myself – I’m so very proud of all the ladies that took part – they really are the heroes of the day.

"It was a fantastic day, full of emotion, courage, tears and laughter as more than 2,300 women joined forces to beat cancer sooner.

"Now I’m asking all the women who took part - and all the friends, family and colleagues who pledged to sponsor them - to transform their passion into progress by returning the money they’ve raised as soon as possible.

"Cancer Research UK doesn’t receive any Government funding for its ground-breaking research. So every contribution matters. "Many people don’t realise that their entry fee only covers the cost of the event. It’s the sponsorship money that really makes a difference.

"So, whatever the amount, we’re asking everyone to make every effort to return their sponsorship money as soon as possible. It can be paid in online, by phone or by cheque."

Nell Barrie, Cancer Research UK’s senior science communication manager, said one in two people will get cancer at some point in their lives.

He said: "Each year more and more people are diagnosed with cancer, so there’s still much more to do.

"That’s why we need everyone who took part in Race for Life in Watford to take the vital last step by returning their sponsorship money so that our doctors, nurses and scientists can make strides forward in research."

For information on returning sponsorship money, or to make a donation, visit www.raceforlife.org.

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