RUNNERS and fundraisers are being invited to walk, run, jump and even Twerk after a charity’s series of events were cancelled.

Cancer Research UK organises Race for Life events across Sussex.

But because of the coronavirus pandemic the charity says all its five kilometre runs have been cancelled across the country.

So it means Race for Life will not be happening at Stanmer Park in Brighton this year, and neither will it be happening in Worthing, Crawley, Horsham, Eastbourne and Hastings.

Cancer Research UK spokeswoman Lynn Daily said the charity faces a 25 per cent drop in funds.

Instead they want runners to find ways of doing the event at home, using treadmills, walking up stairs or in the garden, or at parks, to keep money coming in to support vital research.

Lynn said: “We remain completely committed to making progress for people affected by cancer but now more than ever, support from the public will be vital.

“We simply will not be able to continue funding our life-saving work without it.

“Since it began in 1994, Race for Life has raised more than £890 million for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has taken part and hope their support will continue.

“We know Race for Life is such a treasured part of the UK’s events calendar and it is with a heavy heart that for the first time in 27 years we have to announce that it won’t be taking place.

“The safety of our supporters, volunteers, suppliers and staff is however essential.

“We hope the Race for Life event series will be back bigger and stronger than ever in 2021.

“In the meantime, we’d love to invite as many people as possible to join us by taking part in Race for Life at Home in these challenging times.”

The charity says it wants to hear about people’s creative ways to complete the event.

Lynn said: “Cancer hasn’t stopped and people affected by cancer need our support more than ever.

“From a run or 5km walk around the garden or local park to a limbo in the living room, there is no wrong way to Race for Life at Home.

“With no entry fee, people might choose to Twerk, star jump, squat, skip, dance, trampoline, or come up with their own novel way of taking part and share it with friends.

“We’re urging everyone – men women and children – to join our community and help raise vital funds.”

For ideas visit raceforlife.org or use the octothorp #RaceForLifeAtHome.