An “army” of nearly 4,000 supporters of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity went the extra mile as they took part in the Banham Marsden March.

People were left disappointed on the day when the original date, March 9, was cancelled due to the Met Office’s warning of high winds.

Despite the news coming less than 24 hours before the annual event, participants used treadmills, streets and public spaces to complete their own version anyway.

And now, with a rescheduled date of May 19, walkers arrived in their droves to help raise money towards funding new, hi-tech equipment and research for The Royal Marsden’s hospitals.

It was TV and radio presenter and journalist Bill Turnbull who would cut the ribbon to officially start the event, alongside chairman Charles Alexander, chief operating officer Karl Munslow-Ong and chief nurse Eamonn Sullivan.

Deborah James and Lauren Mahon, as well as Steve Bland, husband to the late Rachael Bland, from the You, Me and the Big C podcast, were also there in attendance.

Antonia Dalmahoy, managing director of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, said: “The reaction from our supporters when we were forced to cancel the original event was absolutely overwhelming.

“We are incredibly lucky to have such a dedicated army of supporters, with some choosing to walk their own walks after the cancellation and almost 4,000 registering to walk today.

“Since The Marsden March began in 2011 it has raised an amazing £12 million for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and has funded state-of-the-art equipment and pioneering research for the benefit of patients at The Royal Marsden and beyond.

“We are also incredibly grateful to Banham for their continued sponsorship and were delighted to name the event The Banham Marsden March for the first time this year, in recognition of their ongoing support.”

“It was so inspiring to see thousands of people coming together to support and raise money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and I’d like to thank each and every walker, supporter and volunteer who helped make the 2019 Banham Marsden March such a success.”

Charles Hallatt, Banham Group’s chief executive, said: “Banham have proudly supported The Marsden March for four consecutive years and we were delighted to announce a further three-year sponsorship this year for The Banham Marsden March.

“It is always a wonderful day bringing thousands of people, families and friends together to raise funds and awareness for such an important cause, that sadly touches so many of us. Banham were delighted to support this terrific event and we would like congratulate all who took part this year.”