CHARITY fundraisers have collected an ‘incredible’ £110,000 after a 24-hour walking event.

The Relay For Life, held at Great Harwood Showground, saw 250 cancer patients, survivors and supporters taking part.

Organised by the Ribble Valley and White Rose Ladies, the event was held in aid of Cancer Research.

During the past 12 years the group, which now has members across Lancashire and Yorkshire, has raised more than £800,000 for the charity.

Founder and group secretary Karen Weaving said: “It is unbelievable that we raised so much money.

“The relay event is our main fundraiser of the year but no-one thought we would get so much.

“I am so proud of all of our supporters because the amount we raised goes beyond our wildest dreams.

“Next year I think we can raise even more. This year we raised £34,000 more than last time. The event is growing and growing.”

She said the group was now focusing on reaching the £1million mark and said that she hopes to smash this year’s total at next year’s Relay For Life.

The group is chaired by Karen Mendoros, the wife of Dennis Mendoros, the former High Sheriff of Lancashire and boss of aerospace firm Euravia in Kelbrook.

The Relay For Life saw 25 teams completing a continuous walk for 24 hours.

Members of the teams can take it in turns to walk, as long as one team member is walking at all times.

The event ran from 2pm on Saturday, July 16, until 2pm the following day.