Hundreds join the front line against cancer at Race for Life Salisbury

PEOPLE across Salisbury united against cancer by taking part in Race for Life’s 5k and 10k events, raising almost £50,000 to help more people beat the disease.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, 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.

Participants at Race for Life Salisbury, which took place on Sunday, June 9, were entertained by stage presenter Ian Burrage from Salisbury Radio. People were also invited to submit their favourite songs to a new Race for Life playlist called #PlayForLife on Spotify.

Among those taking part in Cancer Research UK’s flagship event at Hudson’s Field was top fundraiser, Michaela Humphreys, who is living with metastatic breast cancer.

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Raising over £4,000 with her team of supporters, Michaela, 33, from Salisbury, said: “I was diagnosed last August when I found a lump whilst I was breast feeding and initially put it down to that. I was only 32.

Hundreds took part in the run on Sunday, June 9 (Image: CRUK pictures)

“I’ve received hormone therapy, chemotherapy and I’ve had surgery and radiotherapy. I still receive a number of treatments including Tamoxifen which Cancer Research UK was involved in developing so I know how important funding new research is.”

Also taking part in the 5k for the first time was Shelley Crouch and her staff members who formed the ‘Coffee Angels’ team from Tisbury.

Shelley said: “We’ve raised over £1,200 and had lost of support from our customers with a raffle we held in our coffee shop on the High Street which raised £280 towards our sponsorship. My mum is currently being treated for throat cancer but we all know someone affected by cancer so we decided to form a team. We might try the 10k next year!”

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They were also joined by regular Race for Life supporter and team member, Jasmine King, and collectively raised £660 for Cancer Research UK, vital funds which will enable scientists to find new ways to prevent diagnose and treat cancer, helping to save more lives.

Now organisers of the 5k and 10k events are sending a heartfelt message of thanks to everyone who put their best feet forward as well as their supporters. And they’re appealing for people to make every step count by paying in sponsorship money as soon as possible.

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

“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 Salisbury, 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.

“Now we’re asking everyone who took part to return the money they’re raised as soon as possible. Funds raised, whether it’s £10 or £100, will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, helping save more lives.”

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.

Cancer Research UK funded scientists led the development of the Human Papillomavirus Virus vaccine, which is expected to prevent almost 90 per cent of cervical cancers in the UK. The charity also funded many large clinical trials looking at the effectiveness of the drug tamoxifen and the research shaped the way the drug is used to treat breast cancer today.

Chief executive of Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, Andy Curran, said: “We are incredibly proud to continue as headline sponsor for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, with the opportunity to encourage participation across the country.

“By working to raise funds for life-saving research, we can move towards a future where people live longer and healthier lives, free of cancer.”

Use the photo gallery at the top of the article to see some of the best photos from the event.

More information can be found at raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org