Calls to make Race For Life a real family event (From Ilkley Gazette)

Calls to make Race For Life a real family event

1:00pm Sunday 10th March 2013 in Local news By Claire Lomax

As Mother’s day approaches, Cancer Research UK is calling on all Ilkley mums and daughters to unite and enter Race For Life together.

Buying a place in the event, which takes place on Sunday, July 14 in East Holmes Fields, Ilkley, is a great excuse for mothers and daughters to spend quality time together as they walk, jog, run or even dance their way around the 5k route.

Cancer Research UK’s Race For Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring women-only series of events which raises millions of pounds every year to help defeat cancer by funding life-saving research.

Philippa Sharpe, Cancer Research UK’s Yorkshire events manager, said: “Mother’s Day is the special occasion when we acknowledge that universal truth – it’s mums who make the world go round!

“We want to encourage women in Ilkley to buy their mums a very special gift this year – a place in Race For Life. And by signing up themselves, they will be able to stand together, side by side, on the start line in a defiant gesture to cancer.

“We want to recruit a formidable Mum’s Army, ready to take on cancer and win. We all know how committed mothers can be when they really make up their minds to do something. And we want to harness that power and create a unique force that will stop cancer in its tracks, by raising money for crucial research.”

Last year, 930 women took part in Race for Life in Ilkley and raised £52,341. This year, organisers need 1,500 women and girls to stride out to help raise £90,000 for vital research.

Philippa added: “Race For Life is non-competitive. So there’s no need to worry about being fit or fast. Most women are able to walk 5k in an hour while chatting and having fun.

“Race For Life is an amazing way to celebrate life but also remember those who have been lost to the disease.

“Participants may be decked out in pink or fancy dress but what’s inescapable is the power and strength that comes from thousands of women joining together to confront cancer. ”

Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, Cancer Research UK was able to spend over £8 million in Yorkshire last year on a wide range of research into many types of cancer, supporting the work of doctors, nurses and scientists at hospitals and major universities in the region.

To enter Race For Life today go to: raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050.