FUNDRAISERS and cancer survivors trekked through the drizzle to raise a sensational grand total for charity.

The annual Race for Life event in Clacton took place over the weekend at Alton Park Junior School.

More than 650 walkers stomped around a track in a 24-hour relay, while a sprawling fun day event was held for non-walkers around the track.

Nearly 80 cancer sufferers and survivors from around the area also took part in the event, performing a lap of honour before the relay started.

The annual event, which is held to raise cash for Cancer Research UK, has been growing each year.

This year’s event smashed previous totals, raising more than £80,000.

Three fundraisers even had their hair shaved off to boost the cause.

Cancer survivor Cherry Taylor, 59, was joined by Jenny Oberton and plucky eight year old Lily Huxham on stage as the trio sacrificed their locks, raising about £4,000 between them.

Cancer Research fundraising boss Darren Couchman said: “Whenever we have an event like this it never ceases to amaze me how generous people are. We had so many visitors coming to take part in the fun day events as well.

“It is by far the biggest and best event we have had and now we need to try to top it next year.”

Pick up this week's Clacton Gazette to see a spread of pictures from the event.