Express & Star

Boys allowed too! Now everyone can join Cancer Research's Race for Life events

People are being encouraged to join the fight against cancer by signing up for Race for Life in the Black Country and Staffordshire, and this year the events will be open to men for the first time.

Published
2018's Pretty Muddy event at Weston Park

There are five events taking place in aid of Cancer Research UK taking place across the region, featuring activities for fundraisers of all ages and abilities.

The first is Stafford Pretty Muddy at Weston Park on May 4 which includes routes of 5km and 10km as well as a special one for children.

Walsall's 5km and 10km Race for Life events are at Walsall Arboretum on May 12 and Wolverhampton's 5km event is at West Park on June 16.

There is also a 5km Race for Life at Himley Hall, Dudley on July 7 while Sandwell Pretty Muddy on September 28.

Kirsten Shore, Cancer Research UK’s Wolverhampton event manager, said: “Our Race for Life events are fun, colourful, emotional and uplifting. They help people with cancer by raising money for research, including clinical trials which give patients all over the Midlands access to the latest treatments.

“Our Race for Life events have been women-only since they started, over 25 years ago. But we now feel the time is right to open them up so that everyone - women, men and children – has the chance to participate together.

Millions

“You don’t have to be sporty to take part. You don’t need to train or compete against anyone else. All you need to do is go to the Race for Life website, pick an event, sign up and then have fun raising money in whatever way you like.”

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, raises millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.

“The Race for Life is a powerful, inspirational movement which unites participants in the West Midlands with the whole of the UK.

“Taking part in our Race for Life events enables like-minded people to get together and remember loved ones lost to cancer or celebrate the lives of those who have survived. At the same time, they are helping to make a difference to people with cancer, right now.

“One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer, at some point during their lifetime. Sadly, this means nearly everyone is touched by the disease, either directly or through a loved one or friend.

“To make a significant difference in the fight against cancer we need to harness as much energy and commitment as possible – so what better way than involving everyone in the community in our events," added Ms Shore.

Kirsten continued: “We’re urging mums, dads, nans, grandpas, brothers, sisters, friends and workmates to show their support by joining the Race for Life. It’s a perfect example of everyday people doing an extraordinary thing – uniting in a common cause to beat cancer."

People entering will get a 30 per cent discount if they do so this month.

To enter Race for Life visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.