How thousands help raise millions to fund vital research
EVERY year, about 33,800 people are diagnosed with cancer in the West Midlands. Cancer Research UK’S Race for Life is a series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events, which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research. People of all ages and abilities are welcome to join the Race for Life events in Stoke-ontrent. These include Trentham Gardens on June 4 as well as Pretty Muddy Kids and Pretty Muddy 5k, an inflatable obstacle course at Hanley’s Central Forest Park on July 28. Paula Young, Cancer Research UK’S spokesperson for the Midlands, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Madeleine and her family for her support and know her story will make an impact on everyone who hears it.
“No matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for. Sadly nearly one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime. Race for Life has the power not only to transform lives, but to save them.
“We’re proud that Race for Life has already helped double survival rates in the UK. We’d love for as many people as possible across Stoke-ontrent and beyond to join us at Race for Life. There is a race for everyone and we mean everyone. Walk, jog, run or take on the course however it suits best. It’s a chance to feel the power of moving together with fellow Race for Lifers and have fun with it. Whether people are living with cancer, taking part in honour of or in memory of a loved one with cancer, in it for the medals or just for the fun of fundraising, there is a place for everyone.” Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, funding 30 years of hope and progress. Money raised has helped develop radiotherapy which benefits more than 130,000 people with cancer in the UK every year. Scientists funded by Cancer Research UK led the development of the Human Papillomavirus Virus vaccine, which is expected to prevent almost 90 per cent of cervical cancers in the UK. It also funded many large clinical trials into the effectiveness of the drug tamoxifen and the research shaped the way the drug is used to treat breast cancer today.