Race for Life in Newbury raises more than £45,000 for Cancer Research UK with event at Newbury Racecourse

It was just another manic run day, as more than £45,000 was raised for Cancer Research UK at an annual charity fun run in Newbury.

Nearly 500 people took part in the Race for Life event at Newbury Racecourse on Sunday, which raises vital funds that enable scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

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The charity said that around 55,800 people are diagnosed with cancer in the South East every year and hundreds of people whose lives have been touched by the disease, completed the 5k and 10k courses to fund crucial research.

Organisers of Race for Life, which is held in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, have now sent 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.

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

“No matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for. Sadly nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime but all of us can support the research that will beat it. We’re proud that Race for Life has had such a positive impact. Every pound raised supports our life-saving work, which has helped double cancer survival in the UK over the last 50 years.

“It was a fantastic day at Race for Life Newbury, 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’ve raised as soon as possible. Every donation, every pound raised will make a real difference. ”

Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, contributing millions of pounds to life-saving research.

Andy Curran, chief executive of Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, added: “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 better lives, free from the fear of cancer.”