HUNDREDS of people – and one four-legged friend – took to Kendal’s streets on Saturday for the eighth annual StarWalk.

Around 400 men, women and children dressed head-to-toe in pink completed either a 5km or a 15km route starting and ending at Kendal Leisure Centre, and raised £30,000 for CancerCare, which supports north Lancashire and South Lakeland cancer sufferers.

“In the economic climate it’s amazing so many are willing to help CancerCare," said organiser Helen Hartin, who did the 5km route with her husband and two sons.

“I just can't thank everyone enough who has either taken part, sponsored someone or helped us make this happen.”

Helen first organised the event in memory of her mum, Jennifer Burrows, who died after battling breast cancer for six years.

“So many people here have a story to tell,” she continued. “Raising money for CancerCare is so important.”

The event began at around 9pm after a warm-up, balloon drop and entertainment from X Factor's Paul Akister.

People were dressed in tutus, tiaras and flashing lights – and were joined by tutu-wearing four-year-old cocker spaniel, Peggy, owned by CancerCare’s fundraising team leader, Jane Staniford.

The oldest participant was 86-year-old Arthur Hanson of Kendal. “I had a friend who was involved in CancerCare and another who died at a hospice in Lancaster,” he said.

“It’s really important people raise money and awareness for CancerCare.”

Many of the people taking part revealed they had suffered cancer, or had lost someone to it. Several carried photographs of their loved ones.

“You just never know when it might be you,” said Sarah Abbott, 47, of Staveley, who beat breast cancer. “I attended a recovery group at CancerCare and saw how amazing their services are. I wanted to give something back.”

The official StarWalk video can be seen at http://vimeo.com/93184995