Fundraisers line up for the start of the alternative Race for Life. Picture by Jennifer Burton.
UPDATED 14:53*
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AN alternative Race for Life event has been hailed a huge success after fears it might not go ahead at all.
Crowds of spectators flocked to Appley on Sunday to cheer on around 150 runners in pink fancy dress, each of whom completed a 5km course to raise funds for Cancer Research UK and pay tribute to loved ones lost to the disease.
Organisers and runners were determined to hold an unofficial alternative event after the official Race for Life, due to be held at Seaclose Park, Newport, was cancelled due to wet weather and Isle of Wight Festival damage.
It was feared the alternative event would be cancelled as well, after the Isle of Wight Council said licensing paperwork and risk assessments were needed, but Ryde Inshore Rescue stepped in to save the day.
*The charity offered runners the use of it public liability insurance, covered the costs, dealt with paperwork, set up the course and provided stewards and first aiders.
Sue Plummer, 43, who came up with the idea of the event and organised all the runners, said: "I would have been happy with 50 people, so I was blown away by the support and fantastic atmosphere."
Michaela White, of Ryde Inshore Rescue, said: "It was so lovely to be able to do this for all the ladies that were running.
"Many of them had personal reasons for being there and there was a lot of emotion on the day."
• For full report and more pictures, see the Isle of Wight County Press on Friday, August 3.
Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk