ARMYOF PINK FOR SPECIAL RACE DAY
THERE were plenty of colourful scenes yesterday as thousands of women took part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life in Cardiff.
Starting at 11am, around 4,500 women took part in the event at Bute Park in aid of Cancer Research UK.
The park was a sea of colour as runners of all ages took part in the 5k and 10k event, including cancer survivors and entrants who were running in memory or celebration or a loved one.
Breast cancer survivor Bethan Thomas shared her story on stage before sounding the airhorn to set a sea of pink runners on their way.
Aged only 27 at the time, Bethan, from Cyncoed in Cardiff, thought the small lump in her breast was nothing to worry about as she was young and had been tested for another lump a few months previously.
Bethan, a contractor for Lloyds Bank, said: “I was told not to worry as it was most likely going to be fibrocystic tissue like the previous one. My cousin had been diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 32 but I just thought she’d been unlucky. Then, on 24 March I found out it was cancerous. I was only 27 at the time.” Bethan, now 28, had surgery to remove the lump as well as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and finished her final course of treatment in December. “I never thought I would get cancer at the age of 27. “Nothing prepares you for the diagnosis. My experience means I understand all too clearly why Cancer Research UK’s work is so important. “I have had a fantastic day today and I’m really honoured that I was asked to start the race.” Natalia Davies, from Barry, completed the 10k event. The 23-year-old was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia a month before her fifth birthday after experiencing flu-like symptoms and bruising on her body. Natalia, who starts her new job as a drama teacher in September, had chemotherapy which lasted two years. She said: “If it wasn’t for
research, medication and support, I can without doubt say I would not be here today. I am 16 years cancer free and in my first year of being discharged from hospital. I’m so grateful for the treatment that saved my life and that’s why I want to do everything I can to raise funds and awareness for Cancer Research UK.”
Another runner was mum-of-three Lisa Taylor, from Llanedeyrn in Cardiff, who had her breasts and ovaries removed after being diagnosed with the faulty BRCA2 gene.
Lisa sad: “I wanted complete the race for my dad, my aunties and my granddad who sadly lost their lives to the disease. Race for Life is such an inspirational event and I’m proud that I took part today.”
Katie Cooze, Cancer Research UK’s event manager for Race for Life in Cardiff, said: “Our amazing supporters gave it their all in Cardiff and the atmosphere was electric as women of all shapes and sizes united to beat cancer.
“Every day, around 52 people are diagnosed with cancer in Wales. Money raised - whether it’s £10 or £100 - will help Cancer Research UK scientists find new ways to treat cancer and save more lives.”
Places for Cancer Research UK’s Pretty Muddy event in Cardiff on September 8 are still available. To sign up, you can visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.