OVERCAST skies didn’t deter hundreds of runners from donning their pink outfits for this year’s Race for Life.
More than 800 people descended on Colchester’s Castle Park for the event, which is now in its 30th year.
Race for Life is a five-kilometre run, walk, or jog around the iconic park.
This year’s edition raised £75,000 for Cancer Research UK which will fund the charity’s groundbreaking research, as well as the information it provides to the public regarding cancer.
'Phenomenal'
Natalie Corbett, who is the charity’s area events manager, said: “It’s always an amazing sight to see Castle Park awash with Race for Life pink and this year 872 people made sure it was a truly unforgettable experience, full of emotion, courage, tears, and laughter.
“I’m so proud to say their efforts for people who are living with or have survived cancer, or in honour of loved ones lost to the disease, raised a phenomenal £75,000 and counting.
“Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Standard Life, raises funds for world-class research to help beat 200 types of cancer.
“Now we’re asking everyone who took part to return the money they’ve raised as soon as possible.
“Funds raised, whether it’s £10 or £100, enable scientists to find new ways of preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer – helping to save more lives.”
Weight loss company Slimming World sponsored the event and members from across Colchester and Tendring took part, raising more than £3,500 between them.
Emotions ran high at the start line in Lower Castle Park as many participants reflected on their own experiences of cancer.
Aime Pearce travelled from Clacton to take part, racing in support of her stepdad who was recently diagnosed with bladder cancer.
Completing the challenge alongside relations, the family raised an incredible £585 for the charity.
Her mum Paula Latherty said: “I feel that by doing Race for Life we’re giving something back to the charity after what they’ve done for our family.”
Lifelong commitment
A mother and daughter duo celebrated two decades of completing Race for Life together.
Mandy Bailey first took on the challenge when she was six weeks pregnant with her daughter Kiah.
They have since taken part in the event every year, walking side by side.
Not even a broken foot deterred Mandy, who did laps of her garden during lockdown whilst sporting a moon boot.
Cancer has left a profound impact on the family, with Mandy losing her mum, who had previously taken part in Race for Life herself, to leukaemia nine years ago, and her dad recently finishing treatment for cancer of the larynx.
The pair, who added £100 to the £3,500 they've raised over the years, wore matching pink cowgirl hats which Kiah picked up at a recent Harry Styles concert.
Kiah, now 20, whose bejewelled Mamma Mia t-shirt was inspired by a recent holiday to Greece, said: “I’ve loved doing it every single year. It’s just such a good feeling and we love any excuse to dress up.”
Cancer survivor takes on the challenge
Sunday's event had a special meaning for Daisy Fenwick.
The 38-year-old took part in Race for Life after being diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2019.
Daisy, who has been in remission for three years, said: “I’m taking part in Race for Life in memory of the people I met on my journey who aren’t here anymore.”
Running alongside her sisters Ella and Clemmy and friends Rhia and Danielle, the group raised £500.
It was the first time the teaching assistant had taken on a challenge like this, and she managed to breeze across the finish line while raising vital funds for the charity.
Fun for all the family
It was second time round for Sarah Taylor.
The 38-year-old was joined by her 10-year-old son Aaron Ward.
Together, they walked the five kilometres round Castle Park in memory of Sarah’s dad, who lost his life to cancer six years ago.
“We’re excited to be here for a bit of exercise and a bit of fun,” said Sarah.
“It’s great to be able to take part and it’s even better now that children and men are able to join in.
“I did Race for Life once before, quite a few years ago, when it was just women, so it’s nice to see more people taking part.”
The mother and son duo raised £140 for Cancer Research UK by taking on the challenge.
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