Cancer Research UK calls on people in Scotland to join major fundraiser
A major event is being held in September to give people in Scotland the opportunity to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK.
The charity was forced to cancel 400 mass participation events in Scotland this year as a result of the coronavirus crisis, and now expects a £160 million income drop over the coming year.
Now, people are being encouraged to sign up for a “Very 2020 Race for Life” and undertake sponsored 5K runs in their local green space to help the fight against cancer.
Entrants can compete on their own or in small, socially-distanced groups with all monies raised going towards life-saving medical research.
Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK’s spokeswoman in Scotland, said: “Covid-19 has made the fight against cancer even harder.
“With around 32,200 people diagnosed with the disease every year in Scotland, we will never stop striving to create better treatments and to ensure people affected by cancer get the support they need. But we can’t do it alone. That’s why we need people to join us for a Very 2020 Race for Life.
“Vital cancer research has been delayed this year. Even though we have to Race for Life differently in 2020, nothing’s going to stop us running, walking and jogging to raise money and help beat cancer.
“Whatever the hurdle, we’ll keep going and we’d urge as many people as possible across Scotland to join in on 26 September. People can set off from their home to complete 5k their way that day. Things haven’t gone to plan for any of us in 2020. This is going to be a very 2020 Race for Life but together we will still beat cancer.”
Race for Life participants in Scotland last year raised £1.2m to support research to develop gentler and more effective treatments for cancer – a disease that will affect one in two people in the UK at some stage in their lives.
A live broadcast on the Cancer Research UK Race for Life Facebook page at 9.30am on the day of the event will include an energiser from a fitness expert as well as inspirational messages of support from people who have been through cancer. Organisers are also inviting participants to share photos and videos on social media using the hashtag #Very2020RaceForLife.
To sign up, visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.
