RBC Wealth Management’s Relay For Life team has raised over £4,000 for Cancer Research UK - more than double its target - thanks to generous donations from friends, family and supporters.

Over 60 staff in three teams smashed this year’s target of £1,800 and made more than twice their 2008 total.

One participant, Joel Martins, a Senior Accounts Preparer at RBC Wealth Management, set a personal target of 24 hours non-stop walking, completing 21 hours over the Relay weekend. Despite the pain he felt in his feet and legs, he believes it was worth the effort: ‘Cancer Research UK is a great cause and one I am delighted to champion. Everyone at the event was hugely supportive - it was their encouragement that kept me going.’

Keith Pearse, Head of HR for the international division of RBC Wealth Management, also took part: 'I’m thrilled our staff raised such a significant sum for Cancer Research UK - a charity close to many of our hearts. There was a real sense of community and team spirit over the weekend – we’re grateful to everyone who supported us.’

Relay For Life began in 1985 in America with Dr Gordy Klatt, a surgeon wanting to make a difference. He walked around a track for 24 hours to raise money and awareness in the fight against cancer. The following year he recruited 19 teams to join him, and Relay For Life was born. Relay For Life now takes place in more than 20 countries and is the world’s largest fundraising event.