The Cancer Research UK’s ‘Race for Life’ events across Hertfordshire have been cancelled for 2020.

The charity has withdrawn all 400 Race for Life events across the UK due to restrictions on mass gatherings during the Covid-19 pandemic.

An event was expected to take place at Cassiobury Park on June 7, and rescheduled for September 19, 2020, but it has now been cancelled.

Participants who have signed up for the Race for Life 5k, 10k or the Pretty Muddy events will be contacted directly by the charity.

Cancer Research UK expects to see its fundraising income decline by up to 25 per cent in the next financial year as a direct result of the pandemic.

Jenny Makin, Cancer Research UK spokesperson in Hertfordshire, said: “We remain tirelessly committed to making progress for people affected by cancer but now more than ever, support from the public will be vital. We simply will not be able to continue funding our life-saving work without it.

“Since it began in 1994, Race for Life has raised over £890m for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has taken part and hope their support will continue.

“We know Race for Life is such a treasured part of the UK’s events calendar and it is with a heavy heart that for the first time in 27 years we have to announce that it won’t be taking place. The safety of our supporters, volunteers, suppliers and staff is however essential.

“We hope the Race for Life event series will be back bigger and stronger than ever in 2021. In the meantime, we’d love to invite as many people as possible to join us by taking part in Race for Life at Home in these challenging times.”

The charity have set up a Race for Life at home challenge, where people can sign up with no entry fee to exercise and raise money.

Money raised through Race for Life helps to make long-term research and pioneering trials possible, leading to new tests and kinder treatments that help save the lives of everyone across the region.

For more information, visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.