RACE FOR LIFE 2017 IN PICTURES
A SEA of pink filled Bute Park yesterday as thousands of women united with one mission in mind – to beat cancer.
Around 3,600 women of all ages laced up their trainers, with a few in fancy dress, for the Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, which is expected to have raised more than £200,000 for the charity.
Debbie Bickford, a special needs teaching assistant at Whitchurch High School, sounded the airhorn to set the 5K runners on their way.
The mum of two from Tonteg was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago after finding a small lump in her breast.
She was unable to take part in the event last year but was determined to walk the route this year with her friends.
“If it wasn’t for research, I wouldn’t be here today,” Debbie said.
“It meant a lot more doing the event this year as I have been affected by cancer myself.
“It was a wonderful day and I’m really proud that I spoke on stage to share my story before starting the race.”
Cancer researcher Dr Mererid Evans, who is based at the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff, was chosen as the VIP starter for the Race for Life Cardiff 10K event.
Dr Evans has received a £613,968 grant from Cancer Research UK to investigate kinder and more effective treatments for head and neck cancer patients.
She said: “The aim is to tailor treatments for patients with HPVpositive oropharyngeal cancer to reduce side-effects, particularly swallowing problems, which have a major impact on quality of life.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the women who participated in Cardiff’s Race for Life and to everyone who supported them.
“There is a clear connection between all the mums, grans, daughters, sisters and friends of all ages who walk, jog or run their way around the events and the doctors, nurses and scientists in labs and hospitals, working on the front line against cancer.
“Without them, our work wouldn’t be possible so we are very grateful for their support and commitment.”
Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life is UK’s largest women-only fundraising event series with more than 300 events around the UK held from May to the end of September.
Sophie Heath, event manager for the Cardiff event, said: “We’d like to thank our VIP starters and everyone who came along to make Race for Life Cardiff so special.”
Those who missed out on yesterday’s event can still enter Cancer Research UK’s Pretty Muddy Event in Bute Park on Saturday, September 9. You can sign up at raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.