SUPER slimmers braved the downpour to take part in a special Race For Life event at the weekend staged by weightloss organisation Slimming World.

And, despite the rain on Sunday, dozens of runners turned out to take part in the five-kilometre route around Coate Water to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Slimming World team developer Pete Day, who helped organise this year’s event, said group members had been dedicated to the event for many reasons.

“Every year our members nominate a charity and for the last three years it’s been Cancer Research UK because it’s something that has affected everyone in some way and it’s something that is close to everyone’s heart,” he said.

“The Race for Life is just an opportunity for everyone to get out there and make a difference when they can along with our other fundraising events to raise money for cancer research.

“We had about 50 people come along in the end to take part which was amazing considering the weather.

“We are still counting up the total amount raised and we don’t know what it is exactly but it is in the region of £5,000, which was our target.

“It was a fantastic event and the atmosphere was buzzing. We saw participants young and old enter, with a broad range of different abilities and fitness levels.

“I’m so pleased with how much we raised for Cancer Research UK and I think the event showed people just how motivating being part of a group like ours can be. Money raised will go towards helping Cancer Research UK to fund pioneering, life-saving research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.”

As well as raising money for Cancer Research UK, the aim of Slimming World does Race for Life is to raise awareness of how keeping a healthy weight and being active can help improve health and reduce the risk of certain cancers.

“In terms of fitness it’s a great personal experience for members to take part in it and do it while raising money for charity,” said Pete.

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  • Striding out as Slimming World does Race for Life at Coate Water. Picture by Dave Cox