WOMEN in beards running around Worcester Racecourse meant it was time once again for the city’s Santathon.

The 5km fun run around Pitchcroft was a colourful occasion which saw about 150 runners of all ages and even a few dogs take part yesterday.

The bash was in aid of Worcester-based national blood cancer support and advice charity Leukaemia CARE.

Naomi Carter, of Diglis, Worcester, and her mother Jill Carter were both taking part wearing coloured wigs and Santa’s outfits and the locum physiotherapist said: “My twin sister knows a little boy who died of leukaemia so we really believe it’s a good and worthy cause.”

The small charity runs a nationwide network of support groups and a 24-hour helpline giving practical help for people diagnosed with one of the 90 forms of the blood and lymphatic cancer including Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, myelodysplasia, aplastic anaemia and myeloproliferative disorders.

Leukaemia CARE also campaigns on behalf of cancer patients.

Mandie Fitzgerald, community fund-raiser, said the Santathon event was a “fun day” for a serious cause with many runners and walkers touched personally by cancer.

“We run the 24-hour care line, support groups and give financial help if we can or signpost to other services,” she said.

“We also campaign on behalf of people diagnosed and help them get access to drugs through advocacy services.

“In fact we’re trying to get enough money to set up a support group in the Worcester area but we encourage people to set up groups wherever they are needed.

“It’s important because there are 90 different types of the disease so treatment and the side effects of drugs or steroids will effect people in different ways.

“The groups are one of the ways we can help people find out about the practical realities of coping with diagnosis.”

She said the charity is still looking for runners to run in their name for next year’s London Marathon.

For details on the charity’s work or to make donations, visit leukaemiacare.org.uk or call 01905 755977.

The 24-hour care line is 08088 010444 but people can also e-mail care@leukaemiacare.org.uk

• Click here for our picture gallery from the Santathon.