Bermuda's first Run For Freedom has so far raised more than $8,500 toward the fight against modern day slavery.

Most of the cash will be sent to international anti-slavery coalition Stop The Traffik, with some going to the Island's Coalition for the Protection of Children.

Organiser Charlotte Wilberforce said the figure should get even higher as some people are still collecting their sponsorship money. On Sunday, between 400 and 500 people walked or ran along Front Street, from Barr's Bay Park to the Longtails and back, to raise awareness of the plight of more than 12 million modern day slaves.

Stop The Traffik helps victims of human trafficking, including those trapped in the sex industry, child labour, bonded labour and forced marriages, and puts pressure on global leaders to stamp slavery out.

Ms Wilberforce, the great-great-great granddaughter of UK slave emancipator William Wilberforce, said yesterday: "We really need to thank all of our fantastic volunteers — the hours they put in were tremendous, along with their support and great work.

"Some cheques still need to be cleared but on Sunday alone we raised $3,000 — taking our total to $8,570.

"Every penny is from the hardworking everyday person of Bermuda, and this is an incredible amount raised for Stop The Traffik and the Coalition for the Protection of Children. I'm looking forward to getting the news back to London."

Smaller events would be arranged over the coming months.