W L
EVERYONE IS WELCOME AT THE RACE FOR LIFE WIRRAL
People across the region are being encouraged to look beyond Lockdown by making a date to join Cancer Research UK ’ s Race for Life in Wirral .
The charity ’ s much-loved events are aiming to return to Birkenhead later in the year but with socially distanced measures to help keep participants safe . Anyone who signs up this January can claim a special 30 per cent off the entry fee by using the code JAN2021 .
COVID-19 has caused a devastating loss of research funding . Cancer Research UK is predicting a staggering £ 300 million drop in income over the next three years which could put future medical breakthroughs at risk . That ’ s why the charity is calling on men , women and children to fight back against the devastating disease by entering a Race for Life event . Money raised will help scientists find new ways to prevent , diagnose and treat cancer , helping to save more lives .
The Race for Life events take place at Birkenhead Park on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 June and are open to people of all ages and abilities .
Stephen Owen , Cancer Research UK ’ s Event Manager for Wirral , said : “ All 400 mass-participation Race for Life events across the UK were cancelled last year to protect the country ’ s health during the COVID-19 pandemic . So this year , more than ever , we need people to come together and help beat the disease .
" The truth is , COVID-19 has slowed us down . But we will never stop and we are absolutely determined to continue to create better cancer treatments for tomorrow . Every step our scientists take towards beating cancer relies on our supporters . Our Race for Life events are open to all and we ’ re sending a heart-felt message to everyone to come together in 2021 . As always at our events , the health and safety of participants , staff and volunteers is our top priority . It may be that events look a little different this year but we are working proactively with our venues and suppliers to deliver a socially distanced but great experience .”
Participants will set off on the course either alone or in small socially distanced groups . Hand sanitiser will also be provided at all events with participants encouraged to use it before and after the event .
Stephen explained : “ Although ‘ Race ’ features in the name , our events are not competitive . Instead , ‘ the Race for Life ’ is about our doctors , nurses and scientists working as hard and fast as possible to help more people survive . We ’ ll ask participants to respect social distancing before , during and after the event . It means that this year people should refrain from hugging others at the finish line . But we promise our events will remain fun , colourful , emotional and uplifting . Participants , all united in a common cause to beat cancer , take part at their own pace . 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 or a run . But what is for certain is we ’ re looking forward to welcoming people across Wirral back . We hope that none of our Race for Life events are cancelled in 2021 and will do everything we can to keep people safe . If we do have to cancel any of our events we will let participants know as soon as possible and they will be entitled to a refund .”
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 . This year is the 20th anniversary of Tesco ’ s partnership with Race for Life . Money raised through Race for Life events funds world-class research to help beat 200 types of cancer – including bowel cancer , breast cancer , prostate cancer , lung cancer , testicular cancer , brain cancer , children ’ s cancers and leukaemia .
Stephen added : “ The Race for Life is a powerful , inspirational movement which unites participants in Wirral with people across the North West and the whole of the UK . People get together and remember loved ones lost , or celebrate the lives of those who have survived . At the same time , they are helping to make a difference to people with the disease , right now . Please go to the Race for Life website , choose an event , and sign up today .”
10 wirrallife . com