COLCHESTER’S popular Relay For Life fundraiser raised an incredible £37,000 to help in the fight against cancer.

More than 150 people, including 27 cancer survivors, braved wet and windy weather conditions at July’s event, helping to raise a total of £37,302 for Cancer Research UK.

One of the highlights was the debut performance of Colchester Cancer Choir, a group set up by Copford resident Shirley Maudling.

The group, which now features 15 cancer survivors, was honoured with the 2019 Spirit of Relay award at the event for going above and beyond.

Mrs Maudling said: “I initially formed the Colchester Cancer Choir as I had asked the Military Wives Choir to perform at the Relay weekend but they weren’t free.

“I jokingly said let’s form our own one and it snowballed from there.

“We are having a great time getting together and singing and I would like it to go from strength to strength and become a permanent organisation raising awareness and being a feel good factor to the choir members and the public.”

The money raised by Relay For Life, which sees similar events take place up and down the country, goes directly towards Cancer Research UK’s pioneering work to develop treatments for the disease.

Since 2013, the Colchester event has raised a total of £218,618.

Darren Couchman, Essex fundraising manager for the charity, said: “The passion and dedication from everyone involved in the relay is amazing.

“It was such a joy to see the Colchester Cancer Choir perform.

“They are a cracking bunch of people who enjoy what they do and I can only see the choir going from strength to strength.

“We cannot do our research without the support of our fantastic volunteers and fundraisers and I’d like to thank them all for making such a huge difference in the fight against cancer.”

Next year’s event takes place on June 27 and 28 at the Colchester Garrison Athletics Track.