MORE than 500 people clocked up thousands of miles as they strode out for charity at this year's Relay For Life in Little Clacton.

Sixty-five cancer survivors took part in the opening lap before 27 teams joined in the marathon 24-hour fundraiser for Cancer Research.

The round-the-clock relay has been running for seven years and raised more than £400,000.

This year's total had topped £75,000 by the end of the day and organisers hope to smash the £500,000 barrier by the time all the cash has come in.

Organiser Jane Smith said: "We are £15,000 off £500,000 and I have every confidence that not only are we going to get that but we are going to exceed it."

She said this year's Relay For Life had been "absolutely fantastic".

"We had 65 survivors this year walking the opening lap. It is all about surviving and we are fundraising for research so that more people will survive.

"This year they all brought someone who had helped them through their battle. Then they went off for a champagne lunch.

"It's nice for survivors to get together because they all know how each other is feeling. They can relate to each other and it is very uplifting.

"When you hear the words 'you have cancer' suddenly the world becomes a lonely place.

"Having them all together shows they are united. It's not just them - there are other people in the same position."

Jane said the atmosphere was "magical".

"This is the first year we haven't had rain," she said.

"It's been a glorious weekend and the sun has been beating down.

"There was a buzz all day and through the night.

"Relay For Life started in Little Clacton and it was important to bring it back to where it was born this year.

"The event has grown so much that we needed somewhere bigger and I think the entire village turned out.

"We have regular supporters we see year in, year out. Once you have done it, you need to do it again and again.

"It's a very inspiring event. It doesn't matter if you are male, female, two years old or 90 years old walking around with a frame. Anyone can take part."

The relay stops briefly in the evening for a Candle of Hope ceremony.

"We take 15 minutes out to remember those we have lost, to celebrate those who have survived and to support those who are still fighting," said Jane.

"It is the most emotional part of the day. Everyone lights candles, then we hold a minute's silence.

"We invite everyone onto the track to walk around with families and friends supporting each other."

Jane lost both her mother Katherine and nan Betty to cancer.

"Because of the way research has developed, the chances of them surviving now would be much greater because of the advances in treatment and early diagnosis, which is really important," she said.

Triple cancer survivor Mike Pilling brought a giant inflatable colon to this year's event to help educate people about cancer.

He has just been told his cancer is terminal so is handing over the inflatable to the Relay For Life team.

"This is the last event Mike is going to, but has agreed we can continue his work as his legacy," said Jane.

One woman with cancer symptoms was persuaded to get a test kit after talking to Mike.

Jane said: "Of all of those people who came, Relay For Life could really make a difference to her and potentially save her life."