ONE of Colchester’s most popular charity fundraisers which raises thousands of pounds for cancer research has been cancelled.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life events, held annually across the country, have been called off.

The charity has made the decision to withdraw all 400 of its events across the UK amid restrictions on mass gatherings caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The cancellations include the Race for Life 5k which was due to to be held at Castle Park, Colchester, on October 4.

Participants who have signed up will be contacted directly by the charity.

Cancer Research UK expects to see its fundraising income decline by up to 25 per cent in the next financial year as a direct result of the pandemic.

Patrick Keely, Cancer Research UK spokesman in the East of England, said: “We remain tirelessly committed to making progress for people affected by cancer but now more than ever, support from the public will be vital.

“We simply will not be able to continue funding our life-saving work without it.

“Since it began in 1994, Race for Life has raised over £890 million for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work.

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has taken part and hope their support will continue.”

Participants are already vowing to carry on and complete a Race for Life at Home challenge, in their garden or their nearest green space.

People can visit raceforlife.org and sign up free for ideas on how they can create th