Hundreds of people joined a pink parade through Oxford's University Parks on Sunday as they ran, jogged and walked to help beat cancer at Race for Life.
More than 1,750 people raised £100,000 by taking part in Cancer Research UK’s 5k and 10k events to help find new ways to prevent, detect and treat more than 200 types of the disease.
It was an emotional day for everyone supporting the event including Alison Neale from Kidlington, who was taking part in Race for Life for the third time.
Alison said: “I lost my sister to lymphoma and my mum to lung cancer and now my husband, Steve, is being treated for lung cancer too.
"Last year we raised £1,500 and this year we’re already on £600.”
Alison’s husband Steve explained: “It was a year ago that I was diagnosed after feeling short of breath and a colleague encouraged me to go and get checked out.
"After lots of scans and biopsies I was told I had lung cancer so I’ve received chemotherapy, radiotherapy and now I’m having immunotherapy at the Churchill Hospital.
"Thankfully, the immunotherapy side effects are much more manageable and I’m able to work from home with the support of my brilliant colleagues.
"I’ve got lots of support from everyone, including my family doing Race for Life today.”
Priya Smith, from Oxford, wore a sign on her back which simply read, ‘For Papa’ as she completed the 10K course.
She said: “My dad passed away in May from pancreatic cancer at just 68 years old. He was diagnosed in 2024 so we tried to make lots of memories together in that period.
"Meanwhile my husband’s mum was facing breast at the same time. Together, we’ve raised £1080 by doing Race for life.”
Julie Gillman travelled from Gillingham in Dorset to race for her mum.
She said: “I only decided three weeks ago that I’d do the 5k for my mum, Joyce, 80, who’s been diagnosed with incurable cancer.
"I feel helpless, but taking part in Race for Life is one way I can do something to support the cause.
"Her disease was accidentally spotted during a scan and she was diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, so she’s now receiving chemotherapy.
"My son, Oliver, has been training me for the past couple of weeks and together we’ve raised £600. “
Mum and daughter duo, Julie and Lila Toop, from Wantage, took part in Race for Life for the first time, completing the 5k.
Julie said: “Cancer touches everyone and I’ve lost several members of family, including my Auntie Pat, Auntie Shirley and my Auntie Di-Di.
"I’ve even had a scare myself so we wanted to do something for everyone affected and to support all different cancer types.”
A team of six wore pink hats and neckerchiefs to walk the 5k route in support of a colleague.
Emma Roberts said: “We all work at Frank Wise School in Banbury and we decided to take part in Race for Life for our work friend who has just finished treatment for breast cancer. We’ve collected over £600 to help with research."
More than £100,000 was raised for Cancer Research UK - vital funds which will enable scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.
Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life 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 life-saving research.
The events are non competitive, so participants can walk, jog or run or get muddy at their own pace.
Now organisers of the 5k and 10k are sending a heartfelt message of thanks to everyone who put their best feet forward as well as their supporters.
And they’re appealing for people to make every step count by paying in sponsorship money as soon as possible.
Elisa Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for Oxfordshire, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life Oxford, especially after enduring a challenging heatwave in the days running up to the event.
“Sadly nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime but all of us can support the research that will beat it. We’re proud that Race for Life has had such a positive impact.
"Every pound raised supports our life-saving work, which has helped double cancer survival in the UK over the last 50 years.
“Race for Life powers progress and it relies on a whole community of people coming together, united by a common purpose to beat cancer.
“It was a special day at Race for Life Oxford with a brilliant atmosphere, as people united to celebrate the lives of those dear to them who have survived cancer and to remember loved ones lost to the disease.
“Now we’re asking everyone who took part to return the money they’ve raised as soon as possible. Every donation, every pound raised will make a real difference and help people live longer, better lives free from the fear of cancer.”
Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, contributing millions of pounds towards life-saving research.
Cancer Research UK funded scientists led the development of the Human Papillomavirus Virus vaccine, which is expected to prevent almost 90 per cent of cervical cancers in the UK. The charity was a key player in the development of radiotherapy which now benefits millions of cancer patients worldwide.
Share