More than 8,000 Race For Life
MORE than 8,000 women took part in the Race for Life in Nottingham yesterday and their efforts are expected to raise up to £450,000 for Cancer Research UK.
Runners and walkers, who all wore pink, took part in two 5km races in the morning and afternoon on The Embankment, cheered on by crowds of about 1,500.
There was a carnival atmosphere, even though many runners were thinking of loved ones. Some had pinned to their clothing the names of those who have cancer or who have died from the illness.
Sarah Bradley, 43, of Bournemouth, was running with her sister, Rachael, 45, of Mapperley Park. Rachael's ex-partner and the father of her daughter has cancer.
The family have raised about £200 in sponsorship.
Sarah said: "It is about raising money. But it is also about the support of everybody confronting the issue of cancer together."
Rachael, whose daughter Xanthe, 14, was also running, said: "It is a bit sad and happy. When you are writing the names it's a bit sad but when you get here and hear the music and the clapping, it is good."
Jenny Wilson, 19, running for the fourth time in memory of her mum, who died when she was 11, said: "I just think it is a really good thing to do."
She and her friend, Lorna Hunter, 19, both from Gedling, have raised about £150 each.
Nine women from the Nottingham Neuro Disability Service, including two clients in wheelchairs, also took part and raised more than £400.
Khumbu Pfende, 54, said: "I have had relatives who have passed away. I am racing for everyone who is a sufferer right now."
In total there were 8,397 participants, 330 more than last year.
Zoe Hood, of Cancer Research UK, said: "It has been amazing. There has been a fabulous turnout. The spectators have been fantastic as well."
There are three other Race For Life events coming up in the area, including one for men.
They are: Donington Park, on July 7; Nottingham Holme Pierrepont, on July 26; Run10K at Kedleston Hall, near Derby, on September 27 (includes men). See www.raceforlife.org.
8 Comments
by Emma, nottinghamshire
Thursday, June 25 2009, 11:31AM
“Shame on you Lesta; your comments are extreme and ignorant. I raced for my grandad, grandma and uncle, for my friends sister, and numerous other colleagues, friends and family; who have all undertaken treatment, and in some cases lost their battle with cancer. Without these fundraising events, the support they and their families need simply wouldn't exist.
Maybe you could support the cause rather than critising. I've ran it for the past 7 years, raising just over £1000, and it makes a huge difference to run along an embankment, with a beautiful view, that "wasteland"- would you come along and support if we ran around the waste tip 100 times?
Thanks to those who did support us on the day, I ran it, and made my best time ever- was one of the first 100 thorugh the finish line. It was a huge boost to see everybody cheering and willing us all on.
It's a celebration of life and I certainly would not be so keen to complete without the supporters there, who would never come without the surroundings to match the ethos of the event.
Apologies if we raising hundreds of thousands of money for charity ruined your shopping trip, maybe you should take some responsibility and have checked out that it was Race for Life & the Great Notts Bike Ride that day- another event that raises thousands for charity.”
by Mia, Nottingham
Tuesday, June 23 2009, 3:09PM
“What a total disgrace you are 'Lesta.' You obviously have no heart and no morals. I take it no one you know has been affected by cancer? You should be ashamed of yourself and your stupid little shopping trip.
WELL DONE to everyone who took part in the race, you all did amazing!!!!”
by H, Nottingham
Monday, June 22 2009, 7:27PM
“What a selfish B*tch You are Lesta. Should you or anyone you know ever get this awful disease I assume you would not want to benefit from the research which the Race for Life events raise money for. Me and my friends had a good day out and of the 7 of us participating all of us have either lost someone or have known someone very close to us suffering from Cancer. Obviously you do not know or have known anyone suffering from Cancer or you would not have written such a selfish and thought less comment. On a happy note - WELL DONE TO EVERYONE TAKING PART!! x”
by K, Nottingham
Monday, June 22 2009, 6:41PM
“Ahhhhh, poor Lesta had her beloved shopping trip delayed!!!! All I can say is what a selfish person you are!! Totally agree with Brenda on what an awful person she must be!! I have never commented on any story on a website, but seeing HER comment just made me want to rant on!!! It was a fantastic day and my friends and I cannot wait to do it again! There were 7 of us and we managed to raise a £1000!! Both my friend and I have parents who are currently being treated for this awful disease and HER comment has disgusted me!! Lesta, for a bit of friendly advice, I would recommend you checking whether any charity event is taking place before you go shopping, coz we wouldn't want to spoil your day out!!!!!”
by brenda, lincolnshire
Monday, June 22 2009, 4:23PM
“RE; LESTA....
what an awful person you must be! shame your shopping trip had to be delayed because some of us gave up our day to go and raise money for people we have loved and miss & also to people who are suffering from this terrible illness....i take it you have'nt lost a loved one but then a person so self centred as you wouldnt bother youd be to intent on going shopping!!!
WELL DONE TO EVERYONE WHO RAN AND HERES TO FUTURE RUNS!!
lets hope we can do some good.”
by Catherine, Stapleford
Monday, June 22 2009, 4:08PM
“Re: Lesta 'in lace stockings'
Well, Lesta, at least the shops would have been quiet for you once you got there as 8000 women including myself were spending their Sunday doing something worthwhile.
It was an amazing site to see so many women all together, all with the same goal!”
by Jane B, Nottingham
Monday, June 22 2009, 12:43PM
“Re: Lesta 'in lace stockings' that alone says it all.
I hope you never have to deal with anyone or yourself with this dreadful disease.
What an utterly selfish human being you are.”
by stacey hayes, geelong, australia
Monday, June 22 2009, 11:29AM
“i would like to say great job to all the volunteers that took place in the race for life, which raises money towards cancer research, you are all amazing people. Your support gives patients today, suffering from various types of cancer either hope for future or recognition that their not alone throughout this life changing illness.”