MORE than 300 people turned out in scorching conditions to run, roll and have fun at the MS Society’s Wheel and Walk event at Hinchingbrooke Country Park on Sunday.

And the record turnout is expected to have raised a record amount for the charity, beating last year’s total of �11,000.

Tony Collett, chairman of the organising committee, said: “It went exceptionally well. We had a wonderful day for it, and in terms of overall numbers of people we were up on previous years.”

Even for those not taking part in the walk there was plenty to enjoy, with entertainment from the Blue Vision Twirling Team and jazz group Saxology, as well as a barbecue, stalls and a display of classic cars.

“Once again, the facilities at Hinchingbrooke Country Park proved to be the envy of many places,” said Mr Collett.

“We expect that we will beat last year’s total – we have one walker alone who has raised �1,100, so when all the money is in we should have another �10-11,000 on top of that.”

The money will go towards MS groups in Cambridgeshire, the MS Therapy Centre in Huntingdon and the Neuroscience Research Department at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.

Fundraisers had the choice of three courses: a wheelchair-accessible 3km route, a 5km route and a 10km route.

The event was opened by Cllr Alan Mackender-Lawrence, Mayor of Huntingdon, and the walk was started by Professor Alastair Compston, a world-leading research consultant based at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

Mr Collett also thanked sponsors of the Wheel & Walk, which included Abbey Tyres of Cambridge, Coloplast Ltd, Gowrings Mobility Group, Luminus, Vindis Group, Leadership International and Huntingdon Town Council. Other supporters include Iceni Water, local Air and Army cadets and the Rotary Club of Huntingdon.