NEARLY 1,000 men and boys did their bit to help the fight against cancers that affect the male population by turning out for Basingstoke's Alberto-Culver Run4Fun.

This year's event - the third of its kind - attracted a record number of entrants and is well on its way to being the most successful Run4Fun that has ever been organised by Cancer Research UK.

On Wednesday, a total of 948 men and boys of all ages, ranging from toddlers to grandfathers, lined up on the starting line - 248 more than last year.

Despite overcast conditions and rain during the day, 280 people registered for the event on the evening.

Their efforts have helped to raise £22,776.85 so far in pledges, donations and entry fees.

The aim of the Run4Fun, which is sponsored by Basingstoke firm Alberto-Culver, was not only to raise vital funds for research into cancers that affect men, but also to raise awareness among men about these diseases.

Kate MacDougall, events fund-raiser for Cancer Research UK, said: "I hope that by making all those who took part aware of the symptoms and incidences of cancers that affect men, they have all gone away with a far better understanding.

"After all, by diagnosing it early, a cancer sufferer has a higher chance of survival.

"The shocking statistic is that 87 per cent of young men have never examined themselves. We hope events such as this will raise awareness and reduce this statistic."

Teams of fathers and sons took part in the Run4Fun alongside employees from a host of Basingstoke companies such as Eli Lilly, Winterthur, Motorola, ASDA, The Gazette and the Hampshire Ambulance Community Responders.

Top hairdresser Andrew Collinge also ran the fun run in 26 minutes accompanied by 22 members of Alberto-Culver management and staff, including Tom Monaghan, vice-president Europe, and the international marketing director of haircare, Julian Nichols.

Mr Collinge said: "My friends at Alberto-Culver persuaded me to do it. I didn't start training for the event until 10 days ago but I've really enjoyed it, so this could be a new dawn in my life."

All pictures taken at the event - published and unpublished - can be seen, and purchased, through The Gazette's website. Log on to www.thisisbasingstoke.co.uk and go to the photo sales section.