Huge crowds enjoyed the sunshine and took on a muddy challenge at the Norfolk Showground for Cancer Research’s Race for Life.
With pink in huge abundance everywhere, the two-day event saw nearly 4,000 people of all ages tackle the Race For Life and Pretty Muddy course with £471.885 raised so far and counting.
Patrick Keely, Cancer Research UK’s spokesman in the East of England, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to those who got ‘pretty muddy’ and took part in Race For life in Norwich.
“Their efforts in celebrating those who have survived cancer and remembering loved ones lost have raised nearly half a million pounds so far, money that will help enable scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, and ultimately save more lives.”
Every year, around 37,400 people are diagnosed with cancer in the East of England*
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.
Now organisers of the charity fundraising event 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.
Patrick Keely added: “No matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for. Sadly nearly 1 in 2 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 weekend at Race for Life Norwich, 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.
Andy Curran, Chief Executive of Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, 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.”
For further details about Race for life please visit https://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org
