CHARITY workers from Southampton have braved the elements to raise money for cancer sufferers.

A team of nine volunteers for Cancer Research UK donned bright orange, red and black clothes to play their part in a 1,000 mile relay challenge for the Stand Up To Cancer campaign.

The group carried the baton from the Cancer research UK Southampton centre to their handover point in Oxford, taking it in turns to cycle, walk and run the distance.

They were waved off by scientists, research nurses and Southampton Football legend Francis Benali who jogged alongside the first runner for the first few hundred metres offering words of encouragement.

Team member Liz Frisby, a senior area events manager for Cancer Research UK from Southampton, said: “Not only do we work for the charity but many of our members have had friends and family touched by the disease so we were determined to do our bit for Stand Up To Cancer.

“One in two people in the UK will develop cancer at some point in their lives and there’s still much more to do to ensure no-one’s life is cut short by this devastating disease. That’s why we need everyone to do their bit, in their own way, to make a stand against cancer now.”

Shelley Davies, 29, a senior local fundraising manager for Cancer Research UK added: “What a fantastic experience this relay has been. It’s been tough mentally and physically but it’s amazing to be part of this staff fundraising challenge with over 200 of my colleagues nationwide.

“In my role I see why raising such funds is absolutely vital for life-saving research to continue. There were times when we all felt exhausted but we rallied round as a team and remembered what an impact the money we raise will have.”