THE Winchester Race for Life took place this weekend, with competitors running to raise money for charity.
In the event’s 30th year, men, women and children remembered loved ones they have lost, celebrated survivors and did their bit to safeguard future generations by raising £25,000 for lifesaving research.
A parade of pink ran, jogged and walked the 3k and 5k routes around North Walls Recreation Ground, including, Alison Carter from Winchester with daughters Emily, 14, Charlotte, 12 and friend Lily Burbridge, 13.
Alison said: “This is our first time doing Race for Life because my mum had breast cancer and my husband’s uncle has recently been diagnosed with blood cancer. We want to keep fighting the fight and have raised around £220 between us.”
@hampshire_chronicle Winchester Race for Life 2023 #camcerresearch #raceforlife #Winchester #weekendvibes #dogsoftiktok #dogtok #run #running #charity ♬ Dog Days Are Over - Florence + The Machine
A pink flamingo was flanked by 25 workers from Tesco, Winchester, in memory of their colleague, Les, who died from bowel cancer two months ago.
Lucy Burgess said: “He was an inspirational colleague and someone you could always rely on. He’s left a big hole so we wanted to Race for Life today for him."
READ MORE: Hampshire country pub re-opens following six-figure refurbishment
Former cancer minister and Winchester MP Steve Brine handed out exclusive medals to participants, marking 30 years of Race for Life.
Mr Brine said: "I've lost both my parents to cancer so the cause is close to my heart and this event is very important.
"When you read the signs on people's backs to find out why they're taking part, it's a reminder that at the heart of the issue are the stories of how people are affected. Thankfully, there are stories of hope and of people living well with cancer.
"Early detection is the key ingredient so we can treat the disease and allow people to live well after treatment."
Elisa Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s spokesman in Winchester, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life Winchester.
“Life-saving research is being funded right now thanks to our supporters who fundraise. The atmosphere at Race for Life Winchester was hugely moving - full of emotion, courage, tears and laughter as people celebrated the lives of those dear to them who have survived cancer and remembered loved ones lost to the disease.
“Now we’re asking everyone who took part to return the money they’re raised as soon as possible. Funds raised - whether it’s £10 or £100 - will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, helping save more lives.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here