ADULTS and children across Redditch joined forces to help beat cancer on Sunday by taking part in Race for Life on the hottest day of the year.
Cancer survivor Lisa Malone sounded the starting horn to launch Cancer Research UK’s 5k event at Arrow Valley Park which saw more than 450 men, women and children tackle the course in 29 degree heat.
As the sun beat down, participants flooded the park with pink t-shirts and fancy dress while many pinned touching messages to their backs to show who they were running or walking for.
Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, is a 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.
Money raised at Race for Life enables scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer - helping to save more lives. This is the 30th year of Race for Life and participants received an exclusive medal to mark the milestone.
Paula Young, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in the West Midlands, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life Redditch.
“Life-saving research is being funded right now thanks to our supporters who fundraise. The atmosphere at Race for Life Redditch was hugely moving – full of emotion, courage, tears and laughter as people celebrated the lives of those dear to them who have survived cancer and remembered loved ones lost to the disease.
“We’d like to say a huge well done to everyone who joined in or supported the event. Now we’re asking all those who took part to return the money they’ve raised as soon as possible. Funds raised – whether it’s £10 or £100 – will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, helping save more lives.”
Visit raceforlife.org for more information.
