BIG-hearted health workers in Somerset united to raise more than £6,000 for a cancer charity.

Staff from Care UK have, with matched funding from their employer, raised a total of £6,054.50 for Cancer Research UK – and they have achieved this sum with activities ranging from movies to mud.

Personnel at Shepton Mallet NHS Treatment Centre raised a grand total of £1383.75 by taking part in Cancer Research UK 24-hour Relay for Life, and by a 24-hour relay movie night with wristbands and donations.

Jim Rawles, Jemma Stedham and Isaac Cheesman took part in the Relay for Life, while Jemma also organised the film event.

Not afraid to get themselves muddy, teams from residential care home Britten Court in Lowestoft and the Surrey Out of Hours Service took part in their local Cancer Research UK Mud Runs, a five-kilometre race in messy conditions.

Kate Smith from Britten Court organised her team, while Margaret Reynolds from the Surrey Out of Hours Service in Dorking led her team. The Britten Court team raised £255, while the team from the Surrey Out of Hours Services achieved £538.50.

Finally, a team which provides healthcare services in  HMP Long Lartin in Worcestershire, led by Julie Nesbitt, raised a total of £850 by taking part in the 10k Autumn Wolf Run.

Overall, the teams from Care UK raised £3027.25 which was matched by the Care UK Wellbeing Foundation Board.

The board accepts applications for matched funding from Care UK charity fundraisers.

Chester Barnes, Hospital Director at Shepton Mallet NHS Treatment Centre, said: “My congratulations go to our colleagues who have collectively raised such a fantastic sum for Cancer Research UK.

"Our commitment to our local community is important to us, which is why we encourage our people to support good causes and why we match fund when we can.”

David Thirkill, Area Manager from Cancer Research UK, added: “Our thanks go to the wonderful fundraisers at Shepton Mallet NHS Treatment Centre and Care UK for supporting our work.

"Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen survival rates in the UK double in the last 40 years.  Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK's vision is to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.”