A whopping £100,000 has been raised for Cancer Research UK at Watford's annual Race for Life charity run.

More than 1,200 people of all ages took part in the 3k, 5k or 10k events and muddy races in Cassiobury Park on Sunday, May 22.

Organisers hailed the "hugely moving" event, adding it was "full of emotion, courage, tears and laughter" as runners remembered loved ones.

Two-year-old Summer Smith was among many supporters and was cheering on her parents Charlotte Osgood and David Smith.

Read More

Ms Osgood said: “I lost my mum when I was Summer’s age to a brain tumour so we’re thinking of her and Summer is wearing a back sign in memory of nanny Clare.”

Watford Observer: Summer Smith cheered on her parents, Charlotte Osgood and dad David Smith. Credit: Cancer Research UKSummer Smith cheered on her parents, Charlotte Osgood and dad David Smith. Credit: Cancer Research UK

Minnall Ladva, from Watford, was joined by 14 other family members to take part in the 5k.

Ms Ladva, 41, said: “I found a lump on Boxing Day and got it checked out and it’s taken just seven weeks for me to get my diagnosis, have surgery and I’m about to begin chemo.

“It’s incredible how quickly I’ve been treated, and I want to give something back to Cancer Research UK.”

Watford Observer: Minnall Ladva, from Watford, was joined by 14 other family members to take part in the 5k. Credit: Cancer Research UKMinnall Ladva, from Watford, was joined by 14 other family members to take part in the 5k. Credit: Cancer Research UK

Chris Johns, a teacher at Hillside Junior School in Northwood, said he was racing for his dad who died from bowel cancer.

He said: “My mum did a marathon and inspired me to get back into running so I’m doing the 10k and we’ve raised about £500 between us.”

Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in Hertfordshire, Elisa Mitchell, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life Watford.  

Watford Observer: Chris Johns (left) raced with his friendsChris Johns (left) raced with his friends

“Life-saving research is being funded right now thanks to our supporters who fundraise.

“The atmosphere at Race for Life Watford was hugely moving- full of emotion, courage, tears and laughter as people celebrated the lives of those dear to them who have survived cancer and remembered loved ones lost to the disease.”

Figures from 2019 show that in the Watford area 3,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year.

Watford Observer: Race for Life, Watford. Credit: Cancer Research UKRace for Life, Watford. Credit: Cancer Research UK

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, raises funds for research to help beat 200 types of cancer.

Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.

Follow us on FacebookTwitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

To receive breaking news alerts or newsletters sign up here.