TOGETHER we will beat cancer - that was the inspirational message carried by more than 3,000 women in yesterday's Race for Life, in Gateshead.
Dressed in their tutus, feather boas and fairy wings, teams of female friends and family transformed Saltwell Park into a vision of pink as they snaked round the 3.5-mile course for Cancer Research UK.
Despite overcast conditions the inspirational event still drew crowds of hundreds to support the runners, many spurred on by the thought of a loved one affected by cancer.
Rallying the troops before the mass warm-up, race organiser Holly Howey told the crowds: “You are all making a significant contribution to research and together we will beat cancer.” She added: “We had more than 3,000 women take part in the first of the North East races to make it a great day. By doing something together the aim is that we can beat cancer and we hope this one event raises £178,000.“
Among those taking on the 5k challenge was Philippa Witheat, 38, of Riding Mill, Northumberland, who completed the race in a pink tutu made by her mother. She said: “This was the first time I’ve taken part in a Race for Life and I’m pleased with my time of 30mins 34secs. The day was great with so many people running for everyone affected by cancer of any kind.”
Elaine McGowen, 47, a care worker from Gateshead, joined her family and friends to run in support of Elaine’s sister Sue, 49, who this January was diagnosed with breast cancer. Elaine, who has shaved her head in an act of solidarity with her older sister, said: “This is the first time we have taken part in the race but we wanted to do something to show our support to Susan as we are all so proud of her.”
Sue, who was one of the hundreds of supporters cheering on the runners, said: “It is overwhelming but just so nice to be here and see what they are doing for me and raising money for cancer research.”
Admitting they were not the most sporty of entrants, Andrea Bambymak, 19, of Chester-le-Street, County Durham, ran the race in 45 minutes. The loved one inspiring her effort was yesterday thousands of miles away, in Australia.
Andrea said: “Emily is eight and has cancer for the second time. She was diagnosed with leukaemia when she was three and having beaten that has now been diagnosed with a brain tumour and will have to face an operation this week. I ran the race as I wanted to do something to support her in anyway I could.”
Officially starting the race and in charge of the sounding horn was young Tyneside cancer survivor Lily Slater who aged three was diagnosed with the brain cancer Medulloblastoma.
Now in remission, seven-year-old Lily, who lives with her parents, twin sister Willow and younger sister Poppy in Boldon Colliery, South Tyneside, had to have the tumour removed and underwent 14 months of chemotherapy.
Her mum Shirley, 41, said: “The first we knew something was wrong was when she started to be sick and was a bit wobbly but we thought it could be an ear infection.
“She is truly an amazing little girl who has never once moaned or complained throughout any of her operations or treatments.”
First to cross the finish line yesterday in 22 minutes was Diane Chaney, 48, who runs for the Ryton Triathlon Club in Gateshead. Over the next three months the region will now play host to nine further Race for Life events with an anticipated 10,000 women turning out for the Newcastle event on July 10.
For more information about other races and details of how to register visit www.raceforlife.org
