Blow for charity as Race for Life events cancelled

Cancer Research UK has axed its popular Race for Life fundraising runs for the first time in 27 years - a decision described as a “major blow” to the charity.

The organisation has decided to withdraw all 400 of its UK events protect the country’s health as restrictions on mass gatherings amid the Covid-19 pandemic continue.

This includes events in Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Herne Bay, Margate and Folkestone due to take place this summer.

Participants who have already signed up will be contacted directly by the charity and can either request a refund or donate their entry fee.

However, people are encouraged to take part in the Race for Life at Home instead - in their garden or local park.

The Race for Life 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events have raised more than £890m for Cancer Research UK since 1994.

But the charity expects to see its fundraising income decline by up to 25% in the next financial year as a direct result of the coronavirus crisis.

The organisation’s south east spokeswoman, Lynn Daly, said: “We remain completely committed to making progress for people affected by cancer but now more than ever, support from the public will be vital.

“We simply will not be able to continue funding our life-saving work without it.”

Ms Daly added: “We know Race for Life is such a treasured part of the UK’s events calendar and it is with a heavy heart that for the first time in 27 years we have to announce that it won’t be taking place.

“The safety of our supporters, volunteers, suppliers and staff is, however, essential.

“We hope the Race for Life event series will be back bigger and stronger than ever in 2021.

“In the meantime, we’d love to invite as many people as possible to join us by taking part in Race for Life at Home in these challenging times.”

Ms Daly added: “Most of the Kent events had already been rescheduled for late summer. The decision to cancel the entire series is a major blow to the charity.

“Money raised through Race for Life helps to make long-term research and pioneering trials possible, leading to new tests and kinder treatments that help save the lives of more men, women and children across the south east.”

For ideas on how to create your own, personal charity challenge for Race for Life at Home, visit tinyurl.com/KMathome

Picture: Cancer Research UK Fun runs in Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Herne Bay, Margate and Fokestone will no longer go ahead this year due to the pandemic

Pretty Muddy has also been axed