HUNDREDS of runners laced up their trainers to take part in the first ever Carlisle Children’s Cancer Run.

Bitts Park played host to the run in aid of North of England Children’s Cancer Research Fund (NECCR). The charity already holds an annual run in Newcastle, which has raised more than £7 million.

Bringing the run to Carlisle on Sunday was the idea of the Brough family, who live near Irthington, who champion the importance of the charity.

Seven-year-old Holly Brough was diagnosed with leukaemia in November 2014, and after two and-a-half years of treatment is now in remission.

Holly - who came to the run with two friends she made while in hospital in Newcastle - is among many in Cumbria who have used the cancer facilities at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle (RVI).

Mum Caroline Brough said: “We are all delighted with how many people braved the rain and mud to support this amazing charity. The event wouldn’t have been possible without the help of so many friends and volunteers. We thoroughly enjoyed this family fun day and hope this becomes an annual event.”

The money raised by the NECCR has helped to establish the RVI as world leaders in childhood cancer research.

More than 800 runners battled the rain to take part, choosing between a one, three or five mile route around Bitts Park.

Chris Peacock, chairman of the NECCR, event founder and childhood cancer survivor, said: “It’s been amazing to bring the run over to the North West as we know how many children in the area travel over to receive treatment in Newcastle.

“The money they raise will fund developing new treatments for childhood cancer and help to improve survival rates.

“There’s still a long way to go to help improve those treatments, making them more effective and less aggressive to reduce some of the many traumatic side effects.

“Thank you Cumbria, you’ve welcomed us into your community and made this run your own.

“We can’t wait to come back next year.”