WALKERS paraded around Reigate's Priory Park for 24 hours in searing heat to raise £30,000 for research into cancer.
Hundreds came out to take part in the town's first Relay for Life event in aid of Cancer Research UK, which kicked off at noon on Saturday.
Led off on the first lap by about 40 cancer survivors, teams of walkers took it in turns to lap the park.
Mike Grey, 21, on the HSBC team, was dressed as Woody from Toy Story and impressively walked the course for the full 24 hours. He completed the first few laps with his trusty steed Bullseye. By the end he was being bought drinks by members of all teams.
Speaking about four hours in, he commented: "It's going alright, the legs are a bit achy. I think about 4am is going to be the really difficult bit. My manager challenged me to do the whole thing and I'm not one to refuse a challenge. It's an amazing cause and we have raised so much money so it's going to be fun."
Amy Tucker, 25, from the Pipe Dreams team, said: "Some of our team have done this for five or six years, it is a really good cause.
"I did it last year but it was pouring with rain so hopefully the sun will last this time, it's really hot but it is better than rain."
Lorraine Cohen, 65, from the Sainsbury's team, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, said: "There is a lovely party atmosphere."
Her teammate Chris Spencer, 65, added: "It is for such a big cause; everyone has been touched by cancer."
Sam Causon, 27, from No Pain, No Pole, was running a pole-dancing stall as well as taking part. She said: "It's good fun, everyone is really happy. We have had quite a few guys joining us on the course and on the pole."
The event was held in Reigate for the first time after five years in Crawley.
Event organiser Laura Senekal said: "It went really well. We could have done with a few more people coming down to the park but I think it was just too hot. There was lots of water and sunscreen for the walkers but actually after doing it in a swamp last year it was quite a pleasant difference.
"We have raised £30,000 with more to come in so I am delighted."
Mrs Senekal is already planning for the event's return to Priory Park next year.
