Newbury men seek to replicate Race For Life

A group of Newbury men are aiming to raise money for Cancer Research through an event called Boys Beating Cancer

A GROUP of Newbury men are aiming to replicate the successful women's event, Race For Life, to raise money for Cancer research.

The first Race for Life took place in 1994 when 680 participants participated in a race in Battersea Park, London.

The event has subsequently grown to become one of the UK's largest fundraisers and now a group of men from Newbury are aiming to organise a similar event for men.

Rob Dore of The Halters, Newbury, is one of the organisers of the new event called Boys Beating Cancer.

The 40-year-old has been a supporter of Cancer Research ever since his mother died of the disease in 1994.

“I've lost a lot of people to cancer and as a result any fundraising I've done for charity has always been for Cancer Research,” he said. “In 2006 my wife took part in Race For Life and ran in memory of my Mum who lost her fight with cancer in 1994.

“I was stood there with hundreds of other men watching and supporting and I thought ‘I want to do something to help'.”

Mr Dore helped to organise three men's only races at Castle Combe Racing Circuit in Wiltshire between 2006 and 2008 but will return on July 17 with a race starting at Newbury Rugby Football Club, Monks Lane, who are providing its facilities for free.

“We wanted to bring it to our home town of Newbury,” Mr Dore said. “It's a social event and that's why Race For Life has been so successful.

“Being at the rugby club we want to organise some touch rugby and rugby skills workshops. We also hope to have some martial arts workshops run by Victory Martial Arts in Thatcham.

“We have a vision to organise more Boys Beat Cancer races around the country like Race For Life.”

Registration forms for the 5k run, which starts at 11am, will be distributed to local school, leisure facilities and business.

Alternatively, you can register online at a cost of £5 per person by clicking on the link below.

The group is also in need of volunteers to help manage the event as well as water bottles and snacks for competitors. If you are able to help call Mr Dore on 07919 383738.