Race for Life: Basingstoke participants raise over £100,000

On Sunday, May 26, people of all ages and abilities gathered atn the War Memorial Park to run, walk or get 'Pretty Muddy', and have so far raised £126,000. 

Supporters of Cancer Research UK’s flagship fundraiser took part in memory of those who have died du to the disease, to celebrate survivors and to fund treatments of the future.

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Participants at the start of the race (Image: Sean Dillow)

Among the 1,600 people taking part was Emma Sampson from Hook.

She said: "We were given an extra four years with one of our family members because of a new drug that he was able to try when he was being treated for bone cancer.

"We know how important funding new research can be and that’s why we do Race for Life, it’s a really lovely day too."

Siblings Gemma Bushell and Ryan, and Katie Garvey (Image: Sean Dillow)

Katie Garvey and her siblings had more than one reason to Race for Life.

Katie said: "I was just nine when our mum died at the age of 36 so we have a special reason to Race for Life in her memory.

"I also signed up my siblings, Gemma Bushell and Ryan Garvey, as a way to get us all fit, so once we were signed up, we had to follow it through."

It was Vinnie Cook’s first charity run and the eight-year-old set the bar high by raising £800.

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Mum Megan explained: "He wanted to do something that would help as many people as possible and he exceeded his target of £50 thanks to generous friends and family and by appealing to businesses to sponsor him, wearing his shirt with their names on.

"We’re so proud of what he’s achieved on his first ever charity event."

Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, helps to raise vital funds which will enable Cancer Research UK scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat more than 200 types of cancer, helping to save more lives.

The 3k, 5k and 10k events were part of a bumper day of activities which also included Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids, a mud splattered obstacle course.

Kelly Sainsbury and her daughter Laceylu, 10, from Greywell, were among many who added fun accessories to their outfits for the occasion.

Kelly Sainsbury and her daughter Laceylu (Image: Sean Dillow)

Kelly said: "My dad, father-in-law and grandad have all been affected by cancer and my dad has just had the all clear.

"This morning, he swam 5k as his way of supporting us doing our 5k Race for Life, so we can help more people like him."

The top fundraiser for the 10k was ‘Team Chrissy’ which raised £1,800.

Samantha Hitchcock, 14, lost her mum to oesophageal cancer earlier this year and was part of a team running in her memory.

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Elisa Mitchell Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in Hampshire, said: "We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life Basingstoke. Every year around 55,800 people are diagnosed with cancer in the South East.

"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. 

"Life-saving research already helps people living with cancer every single day. It’s thanks to our supporters who fundraise that we can go further to discover new ways to beat the disease and create a future where everybody can live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. 

"It was a fantastic day at Race for Life Basingstoke, full of emotion, courage, tears, laughter and hope as people celebrated the lives of those dear to them who have survived cancer and remembered loved ones lost to the disease. "

To enter, visit raceforlife.org.