People unite against cancer to run in Bradford Race for Life

Nicki Embleton, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in Yorkshire, said: “Both the weather and the atmosphere were brilliant as people went round the course at the stunning Lister Park.  

“It was a fantastic day at Race for Life Bradford, full of emotion, courage, tears, laughter and hope as people celebrated the lives of those dear to them who have survived cancer and remembered loved ones lost to the disease.”

Saleha Suleman, 56, who was taking part in Race for Life this year to commemorate the 50th anniversary of losing her mum to cancer, was chosen as the VIP to kick off Cancer Research UK’s flagship fundraiser in Bradford.

Along with her daughter, Romaana, 24, she sounded the horn at the start line to send nearly 1,500 people on the 5k and 10k courses.

Romaana and Soleha Suleman with all the runners at the start of the Bradford Race For Life (Image: UGC)

Bradford West MP Naz Shah was also there to cheer people round and hand out the much-deserved Race for Life medals at the finish line.

Ms Shah, whose dad Abid died of cancer 21 years ago and whose mum is a cancer survivor, said: “I’m here to support everybody. Cancer Research UK really can make a difference for people.

MP Naz Shah, and Romaana and Soleha Suleman at the Bradford Race For Life (Image: UGC)

“Race For Life is for all abilities and all ages and this event does have a community feel about with everyone coming together.”

The stunning surroundings of Lister Park played host to the Bradford Race For Life on Saturday (Image: UGC)

Saleha, who lives with daughter Romaana and husband Esmail, 59, in North Bradford, was only six years old when her mum, Rabiya, passed away from stomach cancer aged just 45.

Participants dashed to the finish in the Bradford Race For Life (Image: UGC)

She said: “Growing up without my mother has been incredibly challenging. I miss her tremendously, and the empty space she left has made life tough.

“I took part in Race for Life to support Cancer Research UK as I want to make a difference. I don’t want another six-year-old to go through what I went through.”

Maria and Anne Clarkson took part in the Race For Life in memory of David Clarkson (Image: Newsquest)

Maria and Anne Clarkson, of Keighley, walked the course in memory of David Clarkson, who died of myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow, in 2021.

“He was the most amazing person that you’d ever meet,” Anne said of her father-in-law. “He died five weeks before my wedding. He was a massive Burnley fan.”

Elise Hanson, Emily Spivey and Abigail Barker at the Bradford Race For Life (Image: Newsquest)

Elise Hanson, her daughter Emily Spivey and Abigail Barker dressed up in pink tutus to run in memory of people special to them.

Elise said they wore the pink dance tutus for her friend, Liz Cragg, a dance teacher who was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer.

“It’s important to do something to help,” said Elise. “You never know when you need help.”

Together, more than £110,000 was raised for Cancer Research UK - funds which will enable scientists to find new ways to prevent diagnose and treat cancer, helping to save more lives.

Children were amongst the participants to get involved in a warmup for the Race For Life (Image: UGC)

 Organisers sent a heartfelt message of thanks to everyone who put their best feet forward as well as their supporters.

 Nicki Embleton, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in Yorkshire, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life Bradford, including Saleha, Romaana, Naz Shah MP and of course our dedicated team of volunteers.

"No matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for. Sadly nearly one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime. Race for Life has the power not only to transform lives, but to save them.”

Lauren Midgley, Sadhana Patel and Olivia Sutcliffe at the Bradford Race For Life (Image: UGC)

Saleha added: “In the 50 years since mum passed, the advancement in cancer diagnosis and treatment has been amazing. Had mum been diagnosed now, her cancer would probably have been caught much earlier, and she would have been given treatment that could have cured her.”

People from local businesses also got involved to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

A team from Selco took part in the Bradford Race For Life (Image: Newsquest)

Lauren Midgley, Sadhana Patel and Olivia Sutcliffe, who all work at Bevan Healthcare in Bradford ran in the Race For Life to “raise money for a good cause” and to get fit.

Another business, Selco Builders Warehouse, in Bradford, had a team of runners.

“We’ve all had people in our live affected by cancer,” said Adrian Powell. “Selco always raises money for charity. We raised £200,000 last year in our branches across the country.”