The Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), an athletic fundraiser in the US, has donated $72m to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

The donation is being claimed to be PMC’s largest ever for cancer research and treatment.

This brings PMC's total support to Dana-Farber through the Jimmy Fund to $972m since its inception in 1980.

PMC aims to surpass the $1bn mark for the Institute by 2024, continuing its support for cancer research and treatment.

The five-year relative cancer survival rate was 50% in 1980 when PMC was launched. Currently, the rate has increased to over 65%.

Other achievements include funding for blood tests for early detection of rare paediatric kidney cancer and recurrent HPV-driven oropharyngeal cancer.

The $72m gift was revealed at a celebratory event in Boston.

PMC remains the primary contributor to Dana-Farber, contributing 62% of the Jimmy Fund's annual revenue.

As a federally designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Dana-Farber delivers advanced cancer treatments for adults through the Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center and for children through the Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.

It has carried out more than 1,100 clinical trials.

PMC founder and executive director Billy Starr said: “Our riders continue to expand the very definition of what a bike-a-thon, and a bicycle, was really meant to do! Their support of the PMC and Dana-Farber is unwavering.

“The impact this year's gift has is unparalleled and, as we head towards $1bn cumulatively raised, this is a proud moment to celebrate the progress that has been made in the fight against cancer thanks in large part to PMC fundraising efforts.”