The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Lovelies get on their marks for Race for Life
THE LEVEN Lovelies are pulling on their trainers to take part in Cancer Research UK’S Race for Life.
The nine women – aged 25-50 – were inspired to enter the event in Kirkcaldy’s Beveridge Park in memory of their friends and family.
They include Lynn Henderson, who lost her dad Ian Stevenson to the disease.
Lynn (45), a member of the Slimming World group in Leven, encouraged her fellow slimmers to get involved.
She said: “My dad was so easy-going and a real gentleman and ever so determined and brave.
“He never complained throughout his treatment and his attitude was always that life must go on.”
This year Lynn is joined by Slimming World consultant Noreen Simpson and a team of nine friends from the group, taking part under the banner of the SW Leven Lovelies.
Lynn will also be joined for the first time by her son Robbie (8), as well as her niece Katie (19), who were both very close to their grandfather.
Lynn, who has raised more than £550 for Cancer Research UK, said: “As several of us had been affected by cancer in our families, we felt we wanted to help raise awareness and funds for cancer research and improve our fitness at the same time.
“We are all looking forward to a very emotional but fun event for what is a very worthwhile cause.”
Now the Leven Lovelies are urging others to join them as they issue the rallying cry: “It’s all of us versus cancer.”
Cancer Research UK’S Race for Life in partnership with Tesco is a women-only series of events that raises millions of pounds every year for life-saving research into 200 types of cancer.
Lynn added: “As soon as I discovered that you didn’t have to run the Race for Life, I decided it was something I could definitely do as I’m not a particularly sporty person.
“And while there are people who run and jog round, I am happy to walk around the course at my own pace, which took me just under an hour last year and the year before.
“It’s literally a stroll around the park – I would encourage anyone to take part.
“When you are on the route, you notice people’s stories written on their back signs and that also makes it really emotional taking part.
“Everyone is there for the same reason, which is fantastic.
“It’s also an amazing atmosphere and it’s great having all of your friends and family cheering you on.”
The SW Leven Lovelies are going to walk the five kilometre course on June 24, and are hoping to raise £400.
Anyone wishing to sponsor them should visit raceforlifesponsorme.org/swlevenlovelies, or contact any of the team.
Last year, more than 2,500 women from all over Fife walked, jogged or ran Race for Life in Kirkcaldy, raising almost £155,000.
This year, organisers hope even more women will enter.
Gillian Forsyth, Cancer Research UK’S Race for Life event manager in Fife, said: “We are very grateful to SW Leven Lovelies.”
To enter the Race for Life, visitraceforlife.org or call 0871 641 1111.