Sun shines brightly on Race for Life showpiece

Hundreds of women united against cancer by taking part in Cancer Research UK’s returning Race for Life in Oldham, which was held at sun-drenched Alexandra Park yesterday (Sunday).

Over 650 women of all ages, abilities, shapes and sizes showed their incredible commitment to the cause as they took their place at the start line in the hope of raising an incredible £36,000.

Now organisers of the 5k event are sending a heart-felt message of thanks to everyone who took part and all their supporters. 

And they’re asking them to make every step count by paying in their sponsorship money as soon as possible so that it can be used to fund life-saving research.  

The event was started by 10-year-old Eva from Moorside alongside her mum Jill (pictured below).

Eva was diagnosed with Wilm’s Tumour in 2016 and received intensive treatment at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, including chemotherapy and an operation to remove the tumour and her right kidney.

On May 12 Eva marked two years cancer free, and she will continue to have regular chest x-rays to ensure she remains that way.

Kirsti Thompson, Cancer Research UK’s Oldham Events Manager, said: “Life-saving research is being funded for people like Eva right now thanks to the women of Oldham and Greater Manchester who join the fight at Race for Life.

“By taking part and raising money, our participants play a crucial role in helping to turn discoveries made in the lab into new, better treatments for patients in Oldham and across the UK and we’d like to thank everyone who took part in the event on Sunday.

“The atmosphere on the day was hugely moving - full of emotion, courage, tears and laughter - as people came together to remember loved ones lost to cancer or celebrate the lives of those dear to them who have survived.

"Race for Life offers a unique opportunity for like-minded ladies to unite against a disease that affects us all in some way.

“Now we’re asking everyone who took part, and all the friends, family and colleagues who pledged to sponsor them, to return the money they’ve raised as soon as possible.

"Money raised - whether it’s £10 or £100 - will help Cancer Research UK scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease, helping save more lives.”

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring women-only series of 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy, Half Marathon and Hiking events which raises millions of pounds every year to find new ways to tackle cancer.

One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives, but the good news is more people are surviving the disease now than ever before.

Cancer survival in the UK has doubled since the early 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress.

Sponsorship money can be paid online, by phone, by cheque or in person at a Cancer Research UK shop.

For information on returning sponsorship money, or to make a donation, visit: raceforlife.org