Race for Life: 'beaming with pride'

Monday, 16 August 2021 01:00

The organisers of yesterday's Race for Life in Salisbury have given thanks to all that made the fundraising event a success.

Cancer Research UK host the event each year, but Covid-19 has had a traumatic effect on the charity over the past year and a half, even so hundreds of people, men, women, children and dogs took part in the 5k and 10k events at Hudson's Field yesterday.

Event Manager Vicki Turner told Love Salisbury, "There must be something in the Salisbury water. I have never experienced quite such a lovely atmosphere.

"And the feedback has been incredible."

The event was hosted by David Harber from Salisbury Radio who kicked-off the two waves of participants embarking on either a 5,000 metre or 10,000 metre jaunt.

Participants warmed-up at the start of each wave with a little help from Gary Sheppard and Chris Martin from Parkwood Health and Fitness who showed-off their 'twerking' skills on stage.

The former manager of Salisbury's Business Improvement District Steve Godwin was at the event; his daughter was participating. He said, "This is such a great event, it's lovely to see so many people out raising money."

Usually, the charity will raise tens of millions of pounds from the Race for Life event which sees participants wear personal messages written on their backs.

Race for Life, Salisbury 2021

So far this year the UK-wide event which frequently sees over 400 events across the country has raised £1.5m.

"We have all been touched by cancer in one way or another", says Salisbury Radio's David Harber.

"I went through a few cycles of intense Chemotherapy a few years ago. It was truly amazing to see so many people coming out and raising much-needed funds for this essential charity."

Event Organiser Vicki adds, "As I sit in my office this morning thinking over yesterday, I am beaming with pride and quite honestly have a lump in my throat.

"It feels good to be back."

Race for Life 2020 was cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic and yesterday's event suffered from fewer participants, given the uncertainty over the year-long planning stage.

"Next year we hope to be back to full strength," adds Vicki.

"And thank you to everyone who participated."

As funds raised this year are more important than ever before, participants are reminded to ensure their fundraising efforts are supplied as soon as possible to Cancer Research UK.

Photos of the event (courtesy of Tracy Gould) can be seen in the gallery, below or by visiting @LoveSalisbury on Facebook.