DESPITE early morning rain, the sun and runners came out for a major event to raise cash and awareness for cancer.

Towneley Park in Burnley was a hive of activity for the second Burnley and Pendle Fundrun yesterday.

More than 150 would-be athletes arrived at for the 11am start as the rain cleared and the sun shone on their efforts over five and 10 kilometres.

They were there to support two cancer charities - one 60 years old and the other started just 18 months ago.

The event hopes to raise thousands of pounds for cancer research in the North-West and support for early diagnosis at a new centre in Burnley.

Pendle Hill FUNdraisers for Cancer Research UK secretary Maggie Cannon from Fouldridge hopes yesterday’s proceeds will take the charity closer to raising £1million over six decades in it various forms.

Colne and West Craven Fundraisers and the Nelson committee for Cancer Research UK joined together under a new name and are just £58,000 short of the magical seven-figure sum.

Their cash pays for research at The Manchester Institute, next to Christie's Cancer Hospital.

It is the second year it has joined with Burnley cancer charity CARES, which supports an early diagnosis and assistance centre in the town’s York Street.

Mrs Cannon said: “It was raining when we got here a 6.30am but as the 150 participants arrived, the sun came out.

“It was perfect running weather in a great setting.

“We hope today’s event will help us get closer to the £1million total over 60 years before 2017 ends.

“It’s about raising cash and awareness about cancer, having fun and keeping fit.”

Andy Voss, chief executive of CARES, said: “It’s been a fabulous day.

“We have not been going long and it’s great to be able to work such a long-established charity.

“It raises funds for research and we are all about early diagnosis.

“Many people don’t like to go to the doctor so we run a centre in Burnley town centre where people can come and talk to us and then take any symptoms to their GP.

“Early diagnosis gives a 90 per cent chance of survival which drops to just 10 later.”

Last year’s event had 300 runners raising £12,000 for the two charities.