CANCER survivors took part in an emotional lap of honour to start a fundraising event.

Wearing special purple T-shirts bearing the word Survivor, 28 men and women took the first steps in the Race For Life, in Redcar, east Cleveland, in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Event organiser and two-time breast cancer survivor Sharyn Clarkson says the event is vital to raise money for essential research.

The 56-year-old said: “Relay For Life isn’t just a walk or a fundraising event, it’s much more than that. It’s an all-night festival and a time of personal remembrance.

“All the teams come together to celebrate their fundraising achievements. It’s a day of hope and remembrance and a time when they can see that their efforts have really helped to make a difference.”

All the money raised by Relay For Life helps to fund Cancer Research UK’s research to improve understanding of the disease and investigate how best to prevent, diagnose and treat different forms of cancer. For more information, go to cancerresearchuk.org/relay