Thousands take part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life in Basingstoke

As 1,400 women, men and children took on the 3k, 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy challenges at the new War Memorial Park location in Basingstoke, they were serenaded by Basingstoke Concert Band and choir, Sing Now as they celebrated survivors and remembered loved ones lost to cancer.

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Laura Hall took part in the 5k with daughter Ella in support of her father Tony Cornwall.

Laura said: “My Dad is currently being treated for stomach cancer and so we’re running for him. We’ve raised £600 and would urge other people to do it because it’s such a good cause.”

Thousands take part in Race for Life in Basingstoke

Rebecca Vincent from Basingstoke is a cancer survivor and formed a team to take part in Pretty Muddy.

Rebecca said: “I had breast cancer two and half years ago and understand the importance of research. We had fun doing the 10k race last year and we’re doing Pretty Muddy this year because it looked fun.”

Thounsands take part in Race for Life

Meanwhile Callum Daly completed the 10k in support of his dad who has oesophageal cancer and raised £1,290 towards lifesaving research.

Callum said: “My dad is my hero and he’s been through some dark times. I’ve taken part to show him how proud of him I am and will do it with him next year.”

Some take part in muddy activities
 
Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring 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.   

Every year around 1,200 people are diagnosed with cancer in the Basingstoke and one in two people in the UK born after 1960 will get cancer in their lifetime.  

Some took part in fancy dress

Kimberley Degville, event manager, said: “We are really excited to see so many people enjoying the new route at Basingstoke’s War Memorial Park.

“We’ve had a brilliant turn out and it’s wonderful to see so many pink t-shirts, fun costumes and accessories as people embrace the day. It’s also a day to remember the importance of why we Race for Life and to think of those we may have lost along the way but also those who have beaten cancer.

“We’d like to thank everyone who’s supported the event for helping Cancer Research UK make a difference by making new discoveries, driving progress and bringing hope to everyone affected.”

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Elisa Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in Basingstoke, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life Basingstoke. 

“Life-saving research is being funded right now thanks to our supporters who fundraise. The atmosphere at Race for Life Basingstoke was hugely moving- full of emotion, courage, tears and laughter as people celebrated the lives of those dear to them who have survived cancer and remembered loved ones lost to the disease. "

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, raises funds for world-class research to help beat 200 types of cancer – including bowel cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung , testicular cancer, brain cancer, children’s cancers and leukaemia.     
 

Oonagh Turnbull, head of health campaigns at Tesco, added: “This will be our 21st year in partnership with Cancer Research UK and Race for Life and we hope this year can be the biggest yet.”   

Keep an eye on the Gazette website for more pictures over the coming days.

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