FUNDRAISERS linked together to make Minehead's first 'Circle of Hope' in aid of cancer sufferers an overwhelming success.

The fun run and family day in the town's Blenheim Gardens raised at least £360 for Macmillan Cancer Support and the St Francis Cancer Support Centre in Lithuania, which is supported by the charity - but the final tally is unknown as donations are still pouring in.

The event was organised by two sets of sisters from Minehead whose families have both been hit by the disease.

Annette Bartlett and Louise Doolan joined forces with Solveiga Knight and Edita Neveraskiene and they say the fundraiser is likely to be held again next year after the success of the inaugural event.

"We'd like to thank everyone who came along - it was a great atmosphere and lots of fun," said Annette.

"The donations are still coming in.

"We are delighted to have raised this amount for such worthy charities and that the day was so much fun for all involved."

At least 200 people attended the event, with a total of 70 competitors entering one or more of the six races.

Youngster Finley Haran, a seven-year Minehead First School, demonstrated an impressive running technique to come first in both the one and two-lap categories.

And the Burge/McGwyer family showed how to have fun together by entering the five lap race - with grandparents Jerry and Betty Burge, 70, daughter Linda McGwyer and sons Freddie McGwyer, aged six and ten-year-old William, who was first across the line, taking part.

The day featured a series of runs and races, from a toddle and three-legged jog to a 2.5km sprint.

And Louise, who is recovering from breast cancer and has been receiving care and treatment at Taunton's Beacon Centre, kept the crowds entertained by adding a touch of humour to her race commentaries.

Medals were awarded to everyone taking part with prizes donated by local businesses.

Other money-spinning events included a 'jump and slide' bouncy castle, lucky dip and sumo suits.

The sisters said they wanted to thank everyone who helped on the day and the many local businesses who donated prizes, with special thanks to Lorraine Ahern of Minehead's LA Dance Centre for getting the teams together for the relay race.

Anyone wanting to make a donation to the charities can contact Annette on 07456 246453, email [email protected]">[email protected] or via the Circle of Hope page on Facebook.

Results

(in 1,2,3,4 order_

Toddle - Emily Plumpton and Bonita Waddams, Leah and Harry Doolan, Nadine, Sophie and Leah Ross; one lap - Finley Haran, Matthew Waddams, Mandy Wilcox, Elmo Kennedy; two laps - Finley Haran, Keziah Langdon, Andrew McCausland with Edita Knight and Darius Neverauskas; five laps - William McGwyer, Amie Gibson, Lydia Hayes; three legged - Hannah Thompson and Solveiga Neverauskaite, Sheena Yates and Michelle Woodley, Karen Langdon and Keziah Langdon; team relay - LA Festival Group, LA Ker-Ching, LA Ladies.

Photos:

Ian Beech Images