STAFF from the Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod Wells raised thousands of pounds for cancer research with a relay that went on for more than 15 hours around the town’s lake.

Starting at 4.30am, 40 employees from the four-star hotel walked and ran between one and eight laps each until they reached a total of 120, exactly matching the number of years since the establishment first opened its doors.

Judy Baird-Murray, who runs the hotel’s Rock Spa, ran the London Marathon in April in memory of her father-in-law, David Baird-Murray OBE, who died of pancreatic cancer.

The relay helped add more donations to a £6,000 kitty, which the staff hopes to double by the end of the year, in aid of the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund.

“Pancreatic cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer death in the UK,” said Mrs Baird Murray. “It has over the years claimed many high-profile lives including actor John Hurt. Sadly, in December of last year, a previous general manager of The Metropole Nick Ireland also died after a brave fight against the disease.

“It is important to raise awareness about the disease, and to aid research into finding better treatment. Survival rates have not improved at the rates of those for most other cancer. We hope our Wellness Walk will help play a part in that.”

Justin Baird-Murray, managing director of The Metropole Hotel & Spa, added: “I am so proud of all the staff that took part and grateful to those who stayed at work, keeping the Metropole operating to our usual high standards.

“I would also thank the generous visitors to the lake who made many donations to the cause – often with change from buying ice creams from the excellent shop and café at our wonderful town lake.”

Hotel receptionist Charlene Oladeji, who walked six laps, said: “It was a really enjoyable day. I recently moved to Llandrindod from London and it was such a fun thing to do. I never imagined that I would be walking this kind of distance but there must be something in the air of Llandrindod that wants to make you keep active.”

Fundraising for the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund will continue throughout the summer.

Donations can be made via Just Giving, a non-profit organisation that will claim gift aid on a charity’s behalf where the donor is eligible for this.