Every step raises more in race to beat cancer
A SEA of pink filled Cardiff’s Bute Park on Sunday as thousands of women united in one mission – to beat cancer.
Around 3,600 women laced up their trainers, with a few in fancy dress, for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, which is expected to raised more than £200,000 for the charity.
Debbie Bickford, a special needs teaching assistant at Whitchurch High School, Cardiff, 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. She was unable to take part in the event last year but was determined to walk the route this year alongside 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. 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 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 HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer to reduce side-effects, particularly swallowing problems.
“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.
“Without them, our work wouldn’t be possible.”
For those who missed out there will be a Cancer Research Pretty Muddy event in Singleton Park, Swansea, on Saturday and a Race for Life 5k event there on Sunday.
Cardiff’s Pretty Muddy Event is in Bute Park on Saturday, September 9.
Sign up by visiting raceforlife. org or call 0300 123 0770.