ORGANISERS say this year s Pink Ribbon Run/Walk was the best yet after a record number of people took part. In a sea of pink, more than 700 entrants helped raise funds for Cancer Research UK charity. For the first time men were allowed to enter the event

ORGANISERS say this year's Pink Ribbon Run/Walk was the best yet after a record number of people took part.

In a sea of pink, more than 700 entrants helped raise funds for Cancer Research UK charity. For the first time men were allowed to enter the event

People of all ages, shapes and sizes braved the heat and completed the 5km course in spectacular fashion.

Maurice Hill, one of the organisers said: "What a wonderful day it has been.

"The event has come a long way in four years, and this has definitely been the best yet."

THE Royston Pink Ribbon Run/Walk on Sunday attracted a record breaking number of entrants - and was the best yet, say organisers.

With more than 700 people taking part, race director Maurice Hill described the event as "unprecedented".

He said: "When we started the event four years ago, only 40 runners signed up. It really has grown out of all proportion.

"The sea of pink looked fantastic and what we saw was the best Pink Ribbon event yet."

Royston mayor Councillor Peter Lill said: "Everyone involved was a credit to Royston and the surrounding villages. It just shows what people can do when they put their minds to it."

Participants travelled from all over the county to take part in the 5km course and braved the heat to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

There was even an impromptu appearance from MP Oliver Heald who was persuaded to take part by his wife Christine.

Mr Heald said: "I decided right at the last minute, and I'm glad I did, because I really enjoyed it. It was great seeing so many people supporting such a worthy cause."

There were also three generations of the Holson family taking part, with grandparents Brian and Margaret, parents Craig and Mellisa, and children Becky, Brooke, Callum, Zac and baby Harry.

Freman College also turned out in force, with 64 students and staff, including head teacher Helen Loughran lining up at the start.

PE teacher Andrea Roach said: "The girls have done themselves and the college proud.

"Hopefully we've helped raise a lot of money."

Buntingford firefighters tackled the course wearing breathing apparatus.

Wesley Cook said: "Cancer Research is a charity that is close to my heart and all the crew at Buntingford are committed to raising money for charity.

"The breathing masks were a bit different and they made the run even hotter. They kept steaming up which made it difficult to dodge the molehills!"

Janet Pilgrim, whose husband is recovering from cancer said: "I took part because I know how cancer can affect those involved. And it was wonderful to see so many doing their bit."

Organiser Michaela Huffer said she was delighted by this year's response and said that the event just seems to get bigger and better.

She said: "You get to hear about so many heartwarming stories, because unfortunately cancer touches everyone in some way or another.

"However, events like this bring people together and it really has exceeded all our expectations. I think it will only continue to grow."

- The event was sponsored by WKH Chartered Accountants, Brooks, Johnson Matthey, Hotel Chocolat, Jordans, Bumpkins Day Care Nursery, Wash Me Iron Me and Finance for Women.