Pictures from the Race for Life in Darlington

Nearly 1,000 people from across Darlington united against cancer on Sunday by taking part in the Race for Life.    

The town's MP Peter Gibson was invited to kick off the 5k event, which started with a  group dance to Proud Mary by Tina Turner to warm up everyone up.

Then, it was an emotional moment as he sounded the horn to send 980 participants on their way at South Park, raising almost £55,000.

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Mr Gibson said: "There's not a family in Darlington that's not affected by cancer, I have my own stories in respect of cancer and everybody in the town always steps up to the plate to do their bit for charity.

"Just seeing all the runners there - it's a beautiful sight."

 Money raised at Race for Life enables scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer - helping to save more lives. 

This is the 30th year of Race for Life and participants received an exclusive medal to mark the milestone.     

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, is an inspiring series of events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.   

Now organisers of the 5k event are sending a heartfelt message of thanks to everyone who put their best feet forward as well as their supporters.

And they’re appealing for people to make every step count by paying in sponsorship money as soon as possible.    

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Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in the North East, Michaela Robinson-Tate, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life Darlington.   

 “Life-saving research is being funded right now thanks to our supporters who fundraise. The atmosphere at Race for Life Darlington 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.   

 “Now we’re asking everyone who took part to return the money they’re raised as soon as possible. Funds raised - whether it’s £10 or £100 - will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, helping save more lives.”   

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Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life raises funds for world-class research to help beat 200 types of cancer – including bowel cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung, testicular cancer, brain cancer, children’s cancers and leukaemia.       

Chief executive of Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, Andy Curran, said: “We are extremely proud to have been chosen as the headline sponsor of Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.

"This sponsorship will help encourage participation and raise funds for life-saving research to help beat cancer.”