Hundreds of runners turn out for Kedleston Hall 10k (with picture slideshow)

FOR Steve Glover, it was a way of saying thank-you to the hospital staff who helped him through his battle against cancer.

As the 31-year-old ran along the 10-kilometre route at Kedleston Hall yesterday, he proudly displayed the words "For the DRI, Ward 11 staff".

MOVING STORIES: Clockwise, from above, from left, Chris Warwick, Pheobe Warwick, Steve Glover and Adam Chamberlin; one of the runners heads for the finishing line; Tom Moulder, of Ripley, who came second; winner Checlarelli Antonio from Perugia, Italy; runners begin the 10-kilometre slog

Steve, of Holmes Road, Breaston, was diagnosed with cancer when he was 27 and underwent surgery and chemotherapy in his fight against the disease.

He is now in remission but will never forget the shock of hearing the doctor's diagnosis.

He said: "I was a fit and healthy guy and had never even thought about cancer, so when the doctor told me that I was going to have to have surgery and chemotherapy it was a complete shock.

"I always meant to write a thank-you note to all the staff at Derbyshire Royal Infirmary who helped me through it all but I just never got round to it.

"Taking part in the race was my way of doing that, along with raising money for vital research into a disease I have first-hand experience of."

Steve and friends Adam Chamberlin and Chris Warwick were among hundreds of people to take part in the fifth Kedleston Hall 10k run in aid of Cancer Research. It is hoped that the runners in the annual race will raise more than £61,000 to help fund research into the disease.

Adam, 31, of Breaston, said it was a great event to be a part of.

The Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service worker, said: "When Steve was diagnosed with cancer it came as a huge shock and made me realise that the disease can affect anyone.

"I wanted to take part in the race because I saw what he went through.

"It was an emotional day. Reading the signs on people's backs, saying why they were running and who they were doing it for, was incredibly moving and inspirational."

Race organiser Esther Hartas was there yesterday, along with scores of volunteers, to cheer on the hundreds of people who took part.

She said: "It was a fantastic event for the 800 men and women who turned up to run 10 kilometres for Cancer Research UK.

"Everyone who completed the challenging course said what an amazing experience it was and they were delighted to have crossed the finish line."

All runners are now being urged to return their sponsorship money. For more information, visit www.cancer researchuk.org.