Mum's the Word with the Race for Life

AS MOTHERS’ day approaches (March 14) Cancer Research UK has the perfect way for women in Edinburgh to show how much they care – by entering Race for Life with their mums.

 

Signing up to Race for Life offers the ideal solution to the annual gift dilemma and gives the unique opportunity to help beat cancer.

 

As well as providing a great excuse for mothers and daughters to spend quality time together as they walk, jog or run 5k, there’s the added benefit of supporting Cancer Research UK’s vital work.

 

And the feel-good factor that comes from the spirit of sisterhood and pride on the day will last far longer than the traditional gifts of chocolates and flowers.

 

Race for Life is the UK’s largest women-only fundraising event series where all the money raised goes to fund Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work.

 

When Race for Life started in 1994, many people diagnosed with cancer did not survive.  But over the last 16 years, money generated by Race for Life has supported Cancer Research UK’s work and now the overall death rate for the disease has dropped by 15 per cent.

 

The event in Edinburgh is taking place on Sunday 13^th June 2010 at 11.00am in Holyrood Park and is going to be full of amazing moments for everyone.  This year not only will the women of the region be able to walk, jog or run the 5k route but there is also a 10k route available to take part in.

 

Olivia McLean, Event Manager for Race for Life, said: “Mothers’ Day is the perfect opportunity to show your mum how much you care.  By securing places to take part in Race for Life, you will able to cherish time spent fundraising, training and taking part together.

 

She added: “This year Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life is going to be full of amazing moments for everyone - from lining up at the start, side-by-side with thousands of other women, to reading the inspirational ‘back-signs’ worn by participants to the fantastic sense of achievement from crossing the finish line.”

 

“Race for Life in Edinburgh  has an unforgettable atmosphere with local women of all ages, shapes, sizes and fitness abilities coming together to make a positive difference to the lives of people touched by cancer.  They motivate and inspire each other to complete the 5k, with many simply walking round, chatting and having fun.”

 

In 2009, over 6500 women walked, jogged or ran the event and raised an incredible £525,000 for Cancer Research UK. This year, it is hoped that the women of the region will support the 5k and 10k event and fill the 7000 places as soon as possible, accepting the charity’s invitation to take part.

 

Every year in Scotland, around 26,870 people are diagnosed with cancer and in 2009 the charity spent over £36 million last year in Scotland alone, on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research. In Edinburgh, Cancer Research UK funds world-class researchers including a team at the MRC Human Genetics Unit, who are leading research into the genetic and environmental causes of bowel cancer. This important work could help detect and treat the disease in the future, to improve survival for people with this type of cancer .

 

Olivia McLean added: “One-in-three people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives.  But the good news is that more people are beating the disease than ever before.  Cancer Research UK’s work is at the heart of that progress. By helping to raise money through Race for Life, our supporters are turning hope into reality.”