SUPERHEROES of all colours, shapes and sizes took off around the Coate Water lakes to fight for a radiotherapy centre in Swindon.

They tackled 3km and 5km courses to raise over £5,000 for Brighter Futures, bringing the appeal even closer to its target.

Nikki Gilbert sported a Superwoman costume as she raced around Coate with her family.

She was recently given the all-clear after her battle with cancer and she is passionate about contributing to the Brighter Futures cause.

Nikki said: “I had to be Superwoman because that’s what everyone was calling me during my recovery.

“I had so much support from friends who drove me to and from the Oxford hospital, but not everyone is as lucky as me. We desperately need the radiotherapy unit.”

Wonderwomen were out in force on the day, one of whom was Katie Webster. She has recently undergone chemotherapy in her battle against cancer.

Katie said: “The kids at the event absolutely loved it. It’s a really good day and fun for the families who take part.”

Brighter Futures events manager Chloe Thomas said: “The Thing outfit was incredible, Wonderwoman was there, and there were lots of dads and sons dressed as Batman and Robin. Year on year the costumes have got better and better. People just want to get involved.”

The superhero run marks the last in-house charity event for the Radiotherapy Appeal this year.

Chloe added: “We’re looking for community fundraisers now to help us reach the total.”

Brighter Futures has passed the £2.2 million mark and is looking to find the remaining £700,000 it needs by the end of the year. The money will be used to buy equipment for the new facility planned at the Great Western Hospital.

Brighter Futures hopes the facility will relieve the burden of travel and time costs for Swindon cancer patients who currently travel to Oxford for treatment.