Thousands take part in Durham Race for Life
Jul 6 2009 by Katy Simpson, The Journal
THOUSANDS of women joined forces yesterday in the fight against cancer by taking part in the Durham Race for Life.
For many of the competitors it was an emotional day as they remembered loved ones who lost their battle with cancer, or showed their support for friends and family currently undergoing treatment, while for others it was a chance to honour cancer survivors.
The charity hopes to raise in the region of £130,000 as sponsorship money continues to flood in from yesterday’s women-only event.
And the entrants had plenty fun raising the money, with sports outfits accessorised by bright wigs, fairy wings, tutus, hula skirts and cowboy hats.
The running field at Durham University’s Graham Sports Centre at Maiden Castle was transformed by a sea of pink T-shirts, many decorated with poignant tributes showing how each of the runners’ lives have been touched by cancer.
For Rachel Terry, 35, of Durham it was an emotional day as she remembered her father Leonard Dickins who died last year, aged 77, of pancreatic cancer.
She was greeted by sons Samuel, three, and William, 23 months, as she crossed the finish line in sixth place, and told The Journal how surprised she was to make it into the top 10.
Rachel said: “It’s my first time so I didn’t know quite what to expect. It’s nice to do something in remembrance of my dad, and get fit as well.”
Among the runners were lots of young people, including 13-year-old Fiona Cook of Gilesgate, Durham, who ran in memory of her uncle, Gordon Burrell.
He died two years ago at the age of 48 after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
“We miss him and love him so much,” said Fiona, who ran with her aunt, Gordon’s widow, Catherine Burrell, 51.
