THE total raised by runners in this year's Swindon Race for Life for the charity Cancer Research UK has reached £34,188.

Organisers are reminding women who took part in the event to collect their sponsor money.

A contingent from Tesco in Octal Way raised more than £2,000 towards Swindon's target of £150,000 for research into cancers affecting women.

Carol Hewer, customer assistant at the store, said: "Most of us wanted to do our bit for this cause. Cancer is something that affects everyone and we all know someone who's been through it. We had an excellent day.

"Everyone enjoyed themselves despite the weather it was freezing cold. Everyone wants to do it again next year.

"The team tried to run together but some of us couldn't keep up so some of us ran and some walked."

Swindon's third Race for Life took place at Lydiard Park on June 9, with more than 2,000 women running or walking the five-kilometre course in abysmal weather.

The Evening Advertiser was among the backers, and fielded a team.

Nationally, 200,000 took part in similar events across the country.

Gemma Cookham, race organiser for Swindon, thanked everyone who took part but urged people not to forget to send in their money.