Words by Smiley Team
Many throughout the UK will be familiar with Cancer Research UK’s popular ‘Race For Life’ - a race in which people get involved and complete a race at their own pace, raising much needed funds for the charity. But, in light of the pandemic, the difficult decision had to be made to cancel the events for the foreseeable future, until such a time that it is safe.
The life-saving research into Cancer is still needed irrespective of the pandemic, but COVID-19 has created a lot of uncertainty for the charity who were forced to cut £44 million from their funding owing to the pandemic.
Iain Foulkes, executive director of research and innovation at Cancer Research UK, said: The unprecedented measures to control the global COVID-19 pandemic have had a huge impact on both our researchers’ ability to carry on in the lab, and on our ability to fundraise. Faced with a predicted loss of 20-25% of fundraising income, we are forced to look for savings across our current portfolio.’
‘Cancer Research UK funds nearly 50% of the cancer research in the UK and making cuts to research funding is the most difficult decision we have had to make. We don’t do so lightly. We have worked hard to ensure the cuts are limited and give our researchers flexibility in how to make them.’
Although these are difficult statistics to grapple with, there are ways the public can get involved and help with the fundraising efforts. Realising that their Race For Life would not be feasible in the current crisis, Cancer Research UK launched the Race for Life at Home.
As part of this, there are three ways supporters can get involved, with different options which allow everyone to take part in their own way. Just as some might walk, run or even dance a typical Race for Life, the Race for Life at Home can be just about anything - from a family dance competition to a workout in the lounge. Once signed up, participants will have access to a range of tools to help them on their fundraising mission including Facebook Live events. They can also create their own challenge from their home or on a solo walk, job or run.
Participants are encouraged to show their support online by sharing their challenges and activities on social media using the hashtag #RaceForLifeAtHome.
As Pickersgill notes ‘while many of us may feel our lives have been put on hold, cancer hasn’t stopped, and people affected by cancer need our support more than ever.’
‘There is no challenge too great or small when it comes to Race for Life at Home. Whatever you do just remember to join in, have fun, stay safe and share your experience with the community online. There’s also an option to donate if you wish. We may be apart but we’re still in this together.’
You can sign up for free to the Race for Life at Home at www.raceforlife.org and join the conversation at @RaceForLife #RaceForLifeAtHome.
By Ellen Jones
