A charity is waiting for almost £1 million in sponsorship following a series of fundraising events held over the summer.

Cancer Research UK held several Race for Life events across Sussex and is aiming to raise more than £1.13m. Just over £154,000 has come in so far so there is still a long way to go.

The 5km women-only events were held in Brighton, Ardingly, Worthing, Eastbourne, Hastings and Crawley.

Toddlers, teenagers and 20-somethings joined together with mums, grans, aunties, friends and workmates in a spectacular array of fairy wings, feather boas and fancy dress in every shade of pink imaginable.

Click here to view pictures from the Worthing Race for Life and the Brighton Race for Life .

Now organisers are saying a heart-felt thanks to everyone who took part - and urging them to return their sponsorship money to fund vital research into 200 types of cancer.

Race for Life event manager for Sussex, Suzi Dent, said: “Race for Life in Sussex was a fantastic event and we are so very grateful to everyone who took part or supported our participants, as well as the wonderful volunteers who helped make the event happen.

“Now it is all over, we are asking our supporters to take one last step - by returning the money they've raised so it can go into vital research to help more men, women and children survive cancer.

“Cancer Research UK doesn't receive any Government funding for its ground-breaking work.

“So the money people in Sussex raise through Race for Life is crucial because it means we can go on supporting the pioneering work of doctors, nurses and scientists who are fighting cancer on all fronts.

“Many people don't realise that their entry fee only covers the cost of the event. It's the sponsorship money that really makes a difference.”

Every hour, more than five people are diagnosed with cancer in the South East region, but research is helping more people survive than ever before.

Today, more than 95% of men diagnosed with testicular cancer are cured, more women are surviving breast cancer and more children are surviving childhood cancers than ever before.

Ms Dent said: “Despite improvements in treatment, we still have a long way to go.

“One in four people in the UK will die from cancer. With the help of people in Sussex we want to change that.

“So, whatever the amount, we're asking everyone to make every effort to return their sponsorship money as soon as possible. It can be paid online, by phone or by cheque.”

For information on returning sponsorship money, or to make a donation, visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0871 641 1111.