Appeal to Edinburgh women : Enter Race for Life!

Edinburgh women are being urged by TV presenter Gloria Hunniford to enter Tesco and Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life after latest figures show there are still places to fill with just weeks until event day.

Race for Life patron Gloria is spearheading a new appeal rallying local women to enter as soon as possible and support Cancer Research UK’s life saving-work.

Race for Life in Edinburgh takes place at Holyrood Park , on Sunday, June 19. So far, more than 4,000 women have entered but the figure is short of the number of participants needed by the charity.

Race for Life is particularly close to Gloria’s heart, as she sadly lost her only daughter Caron Keating to breast cancer seven years ago.

Gloria Hunniford said: “Race for Life is an amazing women-only series of events which raises millions of pounds every year for life-saving research into all cancers – helping men, women and children In Edinburgh and across Scotland.

“But this year there is a problem as recruitment for events across Scotland is significantly down on women.  And if fewer women take part, there will be less money to fund research, which in turn means fewer lives saved in the future.

“Girls, it only takes one hour to walk it.  And in that same period of time, three people will be diagnosed with cancer in Scotland.”

She added: “Race for Life is very special to me and I know the same is true for so many people in Edinburgh. Lots of women take part in memory or in celebration of loved ones whose lives have been touched by cancer, or to mark their own cancer journey.  Their determination and passion creates a truly special atmosphere on the day which inspires everybody.

“It’s now seven years since I lost my beautiful daughter Caron to cancer but even in this short period of time, treatments for the disease have improved so much.  I would urge every woman, no matter what age, fitness level or ability, to take part.”

Women of all ages, shapes, sizes and abilities join together to walk, jog or run 5k to raise money to help beat cancer. In Edinburgh participants are given the option of stepping up to tackle a 10k challenge. All women are welcome, regardless of whether they are taking part on their own or as part of a group.

Helen Tibbott, Edinburgh Event Manager for Cancer Research UK, said: “We are very grateful to all the women who have already entered Race for Life in Edinburgh but we urgently need many more.” She continued: “We are appealing to women in Edinburgh and we hope they will hear our plea and register as soon as possible. Together, they will help us create a fantastic atmosphere on the day and every step they take will help doctors, nurses and scientists take major strides forward in research.”

Each woman who signs up for Race for Life, and raises money, will be helping to fund vital research which could make a significant difference to the 28,900 people diagnosed with cancer in Scotland every year.

Helen Tibbott continued: “It could be that many women have simply forgotten to enter this year or, having completed the 5k event previously, feel that they don’t need to take part again.  But we want to remind these women just how important their contribution is. One-in-three people are diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives and research is very expensive.  The only way we can beat the disease is with their help. So we are urging mums, grans, daughters, sisters, friends and work-mates to enter as soon as possible.”

“Some women want to take part in Race for Life but put off entering because they think they won’t be able to complete the course.  But the fact is most women are able to walk 5k in an hour. In that same amount of time around three people will be diagnosed with cancer in Scotland.  If you think of it in those terms, taking part in Race for Life is a remarkable opportunity to change the lives and future of people with the disease.”

Cancer Research UK funds world-class research and clinical trials which are helping people throughout Scotland. Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, Cancer Research UK spent around £33 million last year in Scotland supporting the work of doctors, nurses and scientists who are dedicated to beating cancer by understanding its causes and investigating how best to prevent and treat it.

Women in Edinburgh can enter Tesco and Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life on their website or by calling 0871 641 1111.