HUNDREDS of people came to Liskeard to support this year's Relay for Life for Cancer Research. Now in its 6th year, the 24-hour event is the only one of its kind currently held in Cornwall.

Speaking at the opening ceremony was Dr Nick Morley, whose work as a research scientist has been funded by the charity. It was then over to the survivors to begin the relay by walking the first lap.

'It was one of the best we've had – the weather was perfect. We had more than 100 participants on 12 teams,' said committee chair Laura Jewell.

'The total raised at the close at 12 o'clock on Sunday was £17,000 – I anticipate we'll go over £20,000 when the final total is made in in July.'

As well as keeping at least one member on the track at any one time, teams aimed to boost the proceeds by setting up stalls or run games and competitions. Themed fancy dress laps, a zumbathon, and a 'silent disco' were all part of the entertainment designed to keep motivation levels high.

With participants of all ages, the relay allows everyone to get involved and is a great family event, said team captain of the Pensilva Penguins Alex Putna.

Alex and her family were at the Liskeard event for the fourth time, but first took part in a Relay for Life in Los Angeles in 2003. What they did not realise at the time was that Alex's sister would be diagnosed with cancer nine months later.

'We do it in support of her,' Alex explained.

Claire Bellringer, of Liskeard, took over as team captain of Wendy Woos walkers for last year's relay – and truly threw herself into the spirit of the event again this time round, volunteering to spend an afternoon in the stocks being soaked by wet sponges.

Claire and her family know as well as anyone how vital the work of Cancer Research is, as they have lost several family members to the disease, including Claire's dad, 14 years ago.

With three young children on her team, Claire approached their school, Hillfort Primary in Liskeard with some fundraising ideas. They were more than happy to help out by organising a non-school uniform day and other activities, adding more than £200 towards the total raised.

A candle of hope ceremony saw participants decorate bags with pictures and messages of remembrance for those lost, or of hope for those still fighting cancer. The candlebags were placed around the field, and as darkness fell the crowd completed a silent lap around the candlelit track.