The inspiring 24-hour Cirencester Relay for Life took place at the weekend, raising not only thousands of pounds for Cancer Research but helping to uplift morale for those affected by cancer.

Bringing participants of all ages and backgrounds together from across the town and area in a carnival-like atmosphere, the community event saw the total amount it has raised in just three years reach an impressive £250,000.

Encompassing a warmth of spirit which saw strangers come together over a shared empathy of this dreaded disease, participants formed teams to both fundraise and compete together.

Taking it in turns to continuously walk or run as many laps as they could in 24-hours, teams were encouraged to wear fancy dress outfits.

A team from Limes Health and Beauty in Cirencester ran in inflatable spaceman costumes and to date have raised an admirable £3,464.

The Two Legged Warriors team, which to date have raised £1,591 of their £3,000 target, included cancer survivor Claire Hughes.

“I love this event because it reminds me that I am not alone with cancer and it’s great to involve my family,” Claire said.

“I will always freely talk to anyone because I feel people should know what cancer is all about and that it’s not the end of the world,” she added.

The event was set up in 2017 by Sharon Scrivens following the death of her 24-year-son Ashley in 2014.

“Cancer has affected us all and with Cancer Research receiving no government funding, we fundraise to meet our organisational costs to ensure that every penny raised by participants goes directly to the charity,” she said.

The events of the last two years raised a record £200,000, for Relay for Life, but the £100,000 mark is unlikely to be met this year said Sharon.

“We are on track to raise about £60,000 this year which says so much for the generosity of a small town community as Cirencester.”

Also in attendance for the first time was Cirencester Mayor Patrick Coleman and for the third time, Macmillan skin cancer nurse Louise Pound who offered free mole check-ups.

“I’ve met some beautiful ginger people here who are proud of their skin - and that’s how it has got to be if we are to truly look after the health of our skin.”

Fundraising runs until September 30, with the final amount to be announced on October 5.