More than 60 athletes embarked on a 24-hour charity relay running event to raise money for a five-year-old St Austell girl fighting leukaemia.

Members of St Austell Athletes Running Club (STAARC) completed the continuous challenge, beginning on Saturday at 8pm and going through the night to finish on Sunday at 8pm, in aid of Poppy Dixon, who is currently undergoing a second round of treatment.

Runners ran in pairs or small groups, and collectively racked up a staggering 413 miles despite the inclement weather.

Club secretary Gav Rowett said: “It’s was a really successful event that ran a lot smoother than I imagined. When you’re dealing with so many people, you never quite know how it’s going to go, especially with the 3am slots.

“In difficult times, we’re always amazed by the generosity of others. The current figure has exceeded our target and currently sits at just over £2,000 which we know will be an enormous help for Poppy’s family.”

Poppy was first found to have acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in June 2020.

After undergoing chemotherapy at Bristol Children’s Hospital she was given the all clear two-and-a-half years later.

But then her parents received the devastating news that she had relapsed with another type of the cancer - acute myeloid leukaemia.

St Austell Running Club’s relay challenge is in its fourth year, having previously raised more than £10,000 for charities including Cornwall Air Ambulance, the Sunrise Appeal and Cornwall Hospice Care. 

• Anyone who wishes to donate can visit the Just Giving page, which will remain live for the next couple of weeks and can be found via the STAARC Facebook page or Twitter feed.