People across Leicester united against cancer on Sunday (July 14) by taking part in Race for Life – an event which raised over £180,000.
?More than 1,600 people walked, jogged or ran the 10k, 5k and 3k courses to raise funds for Cancer Research UK which will enable scientists to?find new ways to prevent diagnose and treat cancer, helping to save more lives.
Among those racing was Maisy Juckes, from Leicester who was running for her mum Julie who cheered her daughter on from the sidelines. She said: “My mum was diagnosed with breast cancer 14 years ago, so I am taking part for her.”
Baldeep Purewal, also from Leicester, took part in the event watched by her family, husband Gurdip Singh and children Jaivyn, Harvyn and Renaya.
Baldeep said: “I donate each month to Cancer Research UK and this is my second time taking part in Race for Life. I decided to race as I lost my grandma to lung cancer and my father-in-law also passed away.”
Rosette Dikebele took part in the 10k event in memory of a friend’s two-year-old daughter who died from pancreatic cancer and Sarah Walker, who was diagnosed with cervical cancer two years ago, also took part in the race – despite only just finishing gruelling chemotherapy treatment.
Sarah, from Melton Mowbray, was racing with a group of people – who were racing for her. She said: “My cancer was picked up by routine cervical screening. I had a major operation and have just finished my chemotherapy treatment, so it’s great to be able to take part today.”
Every year, around 33,700 people are diagnosed with cancer in the West Midlands.
Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, is an inspiring series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.
Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, funding 30 years of hope and progress. Money raised has helped develop radiotherapy which benefits more than 130,000 people with cancer in the UK every year.?????
Louise Elliott,?Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for the West Midlands, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life at Victoria Park, in Leicester.
?“No matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for. Sadly nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime. Race for Life has the power not only to transform lives, but to save them. We’re proud that Race for Life has already helped double survival rates in the UK.
“Life-saving research already helps people living with cancer every single day. It’s thanks to our supporters who fundraise that we can go further to discover new ways to beat the disease and create a future where everybody can live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
“It was a fantastic day in Leicester – full of emotion, courage, tears, laughter and hope as people celebrated the lives of those dear to them who have survived cancer and remembered loved ones lost to the disease.”
