Charity races axed as organisation faces cut in fundraising income
No fundraising runs this year
THE Race for Life and Pretty Muddy events have been cancelled for 2020.
Cancer Research UK has announced that it is cancelling its fundraising runs this year to protect the country’s health as restrictions on mass gatherings caused by the Covid-19 pandemic continue.
The Race for Life 5k and 10k, Pretty Muddy Kids and Pretty Muddy were due to take place in Portsmouth on October 31 and November 1. In April the original dates of July 11 and 12 were pushed back to the autumn.
Participants who have already signed up will be contacted by the charity.
Cancer Research UK expects to see its fundraising income decline by up to 25 per cent in the next financial year as a direct result of the pandemic.
Jenny Makin, Cancer Research UK spokeswoman in Hampshire, said: ‘We remain tirelessly 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 lifesaving work without it.
‘Since it began in 1994,
Race for Life has raised over £890m for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work.
‘We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has taken part and hope their support will continue.
‘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.’
People can visit raceforlife. org and sign up free for ideas on how they can create their own special challenge.
Organisers are also inviting participants to join the Race for Life at Home community by sharing photos and videos on social media using the hashtag, #RaceForLifeAtHome
Spokeswoman Jenny added: ‘Cancer hasn’t stopped and people need support more than ever.’
We hope the Race for Life event will be bigger and stronger than ever in 2021.
Jenny Makin