SOLIHULL was transformed into a sea of pink today as people across the region united against cancer to take part in Race for Life on Sunday (June 11).
They were joined by West Midlands Mayor Andy Street who sounded the starter horn to send nearly 1,000 people off on the 3k and 5k routes to raise £109,000 - and counting - for Cancer Research UK.
Men, women and children of all ages and abilities walked or ran through the park, with many pinning moving messages on their clothes in honour of loved ones diagnosed with cancer.
Mr Street, who grew up in Solihull, said: “It was an honour to have taken part the Race for Life in Solihull. Seeing so many people come together to beat cancer and hearing their stories was incredibly moving.
“It’s not too late to join an event, with more planned throughout the summer. By taking part and raising funds for pioneering research, everyone can help beat cancer sooner.
Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, is an inspiring series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.
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.
The Solihull event is one of several taking place across the Midlands this summer with additional ‘Pretty Muddy’ inflatable obstacle courses taking place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on Saturday, June 17, Sandwell Valley Country Park on Saturday, June 24 and Cofton Park, Longbridge on Saturday July 15. Race for Life 5k and 10k events will also take place at Stoneleigh Park on Saturday, June 17 and at Sutton Park on Sunday, July 2.
Every year around 33,800 people are diagnosed with cancer in the West Midlands region* and one in two people in the UK born after 1960 will get cancer in their lifetime.**
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.
Chief executive of Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, Andy Curran, said: “We are extremely proud to have been chosen as the headline sponsor of Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life. This sponsorship will help encourage participation and raise funds for life-saving research to help beat cancer.”