Cancer Research UK has said it has had to postpone the major fundraising events, which were due to take place this spring and summer
Organisers of one of Scotland’s biggest fundraisers have announced their events have fallen victim to the coronavirus crisis.
Cancer Research UK has postponed Race for Life events this spring and summer across the UK to protect the country’s health during the Covid-19 outbreak. This includes the Race for Life 5K and 10K at Glasgow Green which can no longer take place on Sunday 17 May.
An incredible £20 million has been raised in Glasgow to fund gentler and more effective treatments for cancer since Scotland’s first Race for Life event was held in the city in spring 1995. Money raised at the event which attracts more than 7,000 participants every year helps scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease, helping save more lives.
Participants who have already signed up for a Race for Life event will be contacted directly by the charity. It is unclear when Race for Life events could be rescheduled for but a decision will be announced as soon as possible. Cancer Research UK Race for Life Pretty Muddy, a 5K mud-splattered obstacle course is still set to go ahead this autumn on Sunday September 6 at Pollok Country Park, Glasgow.
Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK spokeswoman for Scotland, said: “As the coronavirus outbreak continues to unfold, we are listening to the advice and guidance of the Scottish and UK Governments carefully.
“While our priority is ensuring that people affected by cancer get the support and information they need during unprecedented times, we’re having to work quickly to understand the impact the pandemic will have on Cancer Research UK’s fundraising.
“We have urgently reviewed our events, including Race for Life. As the safety of our supporters, volunteers, suppliers and staff across the hundreds of Race for Life events due to take place in 2020 is incredibly important we have made the decision to postpone the events scheduled in May, June and July including Race for Life Glasgow this May. We will aim to deliver as many events as possible later in the year.
“We know this will be a huge disappointment to our supporters, but I’m sure they will understand. We’ll be in touch with everyone who has signed up as soon as possible to let them know next steps.
“Since it began, Race for Life has raised over £890m for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has taken part and hope their support will continue.”
The charity has previously said it expects its income to be down this year, and has estimated a fundraising decline of 20 to 25% over the next year.
Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work relies entirely on the public’s generous support. The charity was able to spend over £42 million last year in Scotland on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research. Now many of the scientists and researchers funded by Cancer Research UK are currently being redeployed to help in the fight against Covid-19, including assisting with testing for the virus.
This includes scientists from the Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute in Glasgow who have volunteered to put their expert skills and talent to use at the major new COVID-19 testing facility, the Lighthouse Laboratory in Glasgow which has just opened. By helping to beat coronavirus, the charity can lessen the impact that this virus is having on the care of cancer patients.
You can donate to Cancer Research UK online.
