Bradford Race for Life 2023: More than £44,000 is raised

Women, men and children of all ages and abilities came together on Saturday (May 20) to take part in Cancer Research UK’s event. 

People could tackle either a 5k or 10k route in Lister Park and more than £44,000 was raised.

Money raised at Race for Life enables scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer - helping to save more lives. 

This is the 30th year of Race for Life and participants received an exclusive medal to mark the milestone.    

There were lots of teams taking part and some made a special effort to dress up.

Participants were entertained by face painters, balloon modelers and a dance troupe.

They were cheered on around the park by family and friends - and even serenaded by a samba band halfway round. 

Abi England, from Wibsey, along with her brother Adam, and their team 'Run for Kath', raised an incredible £8,000. 

It was in memory of their mum, Kath, who died eight weeks ago following a 15-year battle with breast cancer. 

She had just turned 60 and raised more than £4,000 at a party. Her family is now determined to keep on raising money in her memory. 

"We are doing anything to keep my mum’s positive mindset going at the minute," said Abi. 

Every year around 33,300 people are diagnosed with cancer in Yorkshire and The Humber and one in two people in the UK born after 1960 will get cancer in their lifetime. 

Jo Dean, organiser of the Bradford 5k and 10k events, said: “It was the most amazing day on Saturday, and a fabulous atmosphere at Lister Park. 

"It was lovely to see all those smiles as people crossed the finish line and picked up their well-earned medal. 

"Now I’m appealing for people to make every step count by paying in sponsorship money as soon as possible.”   

Nicki Embleton, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in Yorkshire, added: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life Bradford.  

 “Life-saving research is being funded right now thanks to our supporters who fundraise.

"The atmosphere at Race for Life Bradford 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.”  

 Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life raises funds for world-class research to help beat 200 types of cancer – including bowel cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung, testicular cancer, brain cancer, children’s cancers and leukaemia.