People who took part in Cancer Research UK's Race for Life in Stevenage on Sunday have collectively raised £85,000 - including £11,000 to celebrate the end of a Hitchin woman's treatment.

Up to 1,000 people ran, jogged or walked the 3k, 5k and 10k courses at Fairlands Valley Park, to remember loved ones, support those going through treatment and celebrate survivors.

The Comet: People of all ages joined in.People of all ages joined in. (Image: Cancer Research UK)

Fifty-eight people took part to help celebrate the end of Louise Lovatt’s treatment, from Hitchin, collecting more than £11,000 in sponsorship.

Louise said: "I’ve been receiving treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy for the past 18 months, and this week marked the end of it. I’m overwhelmed so many people came out to support me.

"What I’ve been going through has helped to raise lots of money and awareness and really encouraged people to check themselves."

The Comet: Race for Life Stevenage raised £85,000 for Cancer Research UK.Race for Life Stevenage raised £85,000 for Cancer Research UK. (Image: Cancer Research UK)

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Meanwhile, Stevenage Race for Life participant Jenny Hicks, 65, is being treated for cancer for the second time. She said: "I had breast cancer 19 years ago and in December it came back in my chest bone. I’m currently receiving a new treatment and it’s working really well.

"I took part with my friends of 60 years, Alison and Jane, who are also breast cancer survivors, and we’ve raised £2,300."

The Comet: There was a supportive atmosphere.There was a supportive atmosphere. (Image: Cancer Research UK)

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

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Elisa Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in Hertfordshire, said: "We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life Stevenage.

The Comet: Participants are encouraged to collect their sponsorship money and send it Cancer Research UK as soon as possible.Participants are encouraged to collect their sponsorship money and send it Cancer Research UK as soon as possible. (Image: Cancer Research UK)

"Life-saving research is being funded right now thanks to our supporters who fundraise.

The Comet: Letchworth's Garden City Samba provided music to motivate people on the day.Letchworth's Garden City Samba provided music to motivate people on the day. (Image: Cancer Research UK)

"The atmosphere at Race for Life Stevenage 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. 

The Comet: People took part to remember loved ones, celebrate survivors, or support those currently receiving treatment.People took part to remember loved ones, celebrate survivors, or support those currently receiving treatment. (Image: Cancer Research UK)

"Now we’re asking everyone who took part to return the money they’ve 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."

The Comet: The day included a children's event.The day included a children's event. (Image: Cancer Research UK)