RUNNERS from the area raised nearly £10,000 for cancer research at one of the biggest charity races in the south east.

A group of 57 women from the Waltham Holy Cross Conservative Club which is based in Honey Lane, Waltham Abbey, were amongst the thousands to take part in the Race for Life in Enfield, north London on Sunday, June 17.

Naming themselves Olly’s army, after popular club member and former Opportunity Knocks game show winner Derek ‘Olly’ Cowley, members ran, jogged or walked the 5k route to raise funds and awareness of women’s cancers.

The team was greeted by Waltham Abbey Mayor Liz Webster on their arrival back home at a special drinks reception.

Club chairman Gary Willis said: “It’s not about who raised the most or who finished first or who looked the best, it was about being part of Olly’s Army.

“The ladies thoroughly enjoyed the day and the feeling amongst them was that they had done something positive in life and enjoyed every minute of it.

“As a small club it is remarkable the amount of money we have raised.”