Thousands join in to take part in Race for Life at Tatton Park (From Knutsford Guardian)

Thousands join in to take part in Race for Life at Tatton Park

9:30pm Tuesday 26th June 2012 in News By James Wilson

THOUSANDS of women in Cheshire joined the biggest fight against cancer by taking part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life at Tatton Park over the weekend.

Toddlers, teenagers and 20-somethings joined together with mums, grans, aunties, friends and workmates in a spectacular array of fairy wings, feather boas and fancy dress in every shade of pink imaginable.

Now organisers are saying a heart-felt ‘thanks’ to everyone who took part - and urging them to return their sponsorship money to fund vital research into 200 types of cancer.

Debbie McConnell, Race for Life event manager for the north west, said: “Race for Life events at Tatton Park were fantastic and we are so very grateful to everyone who took part or supported our participants, as well as the wonderful volunteers who helped make the event happen.

“Now the big weekend is over, we are asking our supporters to take one last step – by returning the money they’ve raised so it can go into vital research to help more men, women and children survive cancer.”

She added: “Cancer Research UK doesn’t receive any Government funding for its ground-breaking work. So the money people in Cheshire raise through Race for Life is crucial because it means we can go on supporting the pioneering work of doctors, nurses and scientists who are fighting cancer on all fronts.

“Many people don’t realise that their entry fee only covers the cost of the event. It’s the sponsorship money that really makes a difference.”

Every hour, more than three people are diagnosed with cancer in the north west region.

But the good news is that research, supported by Race for Life events in Cheshire, are helping more people survive than ever before.

Cancer survival rates have doubled since the 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress.

Today, more than 95% of men diagnosed with testicular cancer are cured. More women are surviving breast cancer and more children are surviving childhood cancers than ever before.

Debbie added: “Despite improvements in treatment, we still have a long way to go. One in four people in the UK will die from cancer. With the help of people in Cheshire we want to change that.

“So, whatever the amount, we’re asking everyone to make every effort to return their sponsorship money as soon as possible. It can be paid in online, by phone or by cheque.”