Thousands are expected to take part
A mum of four who overcame breast cancer has been chosen as the voice of Race for Life events in Scotland.
Lynsey Ritchie from Denny, Stirlingshire shares her powerful story in a two minute audio recording which is set to be played to all participants near the start line at Cancer Research UK Race for Life events this year.
Thousands of men, women and children are expected to take part in Race for Life with Scotland’s first Race for Life 5k and 10k events kicking off in Stirling and South Queensferry this Sunday May 8, closely followed by events across the nation everywhere from Edinburgh to Irvine, Falkirk to Fife. Scotland’s biggest Race for Life event is on Sunday May 22 at Glasgow Green.
Lynsey, who was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer aged 42, knows exactly how vital it is to raise funds for life-saving research. That’s why she’s urging people to visit raceforlife.org and enter.* Money raised will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancers - helping to save many more lives.
Now 45, she said: “Because of life-saving research my four little boys still have a mummy, my husband still has a wife and my parents still have a daughter. You never think it will be you who hears those words, ‘I’m sorry, it’s cancer’ and when you do your world implodes. But the one thing I knew for sure was that I was going to do everything in my power to be there for my boys. I am living and loving my best life today thanks to improved treatments and I’d like to help people affected by cancer in the months and years to come.
“I hope my story will connect with people in the moments before they set off on the Race for Life course.”
Her story is one of six audio recordings from cancer survivors which will be played at the 450 Race for Life events across the UK this year. She received messages of support from across the world thanks to the compelling blog which she started after being diagnosed with cancer on July 3 2019.
Lynsey wrote movingly about ordering a boob cake and throwing a, “Thank you for the mammaries’ party’. Ahead of double mastectomy surgery on December 20, she planned the party in recognition of her breasts’ role in feeding her own four boys as well as seven premature babies, thanks to her donations to the human milk bank.
Every year around 33,200 people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland** and one in two people in the UK born after 1960 will get cancer in their lifetime.***
Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research. Events will follow current government guidance to protect against COVID-19 and hand sanitiser will be provided.
Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK’s spokeswoman in Scotland, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Lynsey for her support and know that her story will make an impact on participants when played on stage at the beginning of Race for Life.
“Sadly, cancer affects all of us in some way. Whether people are living with cancer, taking part in honour of or in memory of a loved one with cancer or signing up to protect their own children’s future, everyone has a reason to Race for Life. So we’re asking people across the region: “Who will you Race for?”
“Our Race for Life events are open to all. For some people, the Race for Life is literally a walk in the park. Slow and steady still wins. For others, it’s a jog. Others may opt to push themselves harder, taking up the challenge of the 10K distance and even pushing for a new personal best time.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming people of all ages and abilities. Race for Life events across Scotland will be fun, emotional, colourful, uplifting and an unforgettable event this year.”
