There was a wave of pink and a flood of emotion at Lydiard Park this weekend as around 2,500 people turned out for Swindon’s annual Race for Life, raising an astonishing £225,552 (and counting) for Cancer Research UK.
Participants – many in tutus, bananas, flamingo outfits, and even one unforgettable pink shark – ran, jogged and walked across 3k, 5k, 10k, and Pretty Muddy routes. Each step taken helped fund vital cancer research and offered hope for a world where cancer no longer casts its long shadow.
One of the most moving stories from the day came from local resident Guy Anthony, 33, who took part just 24 hours after completing radiotherapy for mouth cancer. “I was diagnosed in January after finding a painful ulcer that wouldn’t go away. Since then, I’ve had 90% of my tongue removed and rebuilt,” he shared. “I have a little boy and my baby was just four months old at the time. I wanted to show others that you can come through it – and support the research that makes that possible.”
Tash Townsend, 23, laced up in honour of her mum, who is currently undergoing treatment. “She was diagnosed with a form of thyroid cancer in November. At first we were told she might only have months left, but thanks to new immunotherapy treatments, things are looking up.”
Personal trainer Les Slinn brought along several clients, all of whom had been affected by cancer in some way. For Les, the race was a tribute to his wife, Maria, who died of blood cancer just eight weeks ago. “It’s emotional, but it’s important,” he said. “We’ve all been touched by this disease.”
Another familiar face in the crowd was Joanna Greener, 58, who was joined by her daughter and extended family. A breast cancer survivor herself, she said: “We’ve raised about £450. Race for Life gives people a reason to talk about cancer, get checked, and hopefully spot things early.”
Among the most striking participants was Oxford’s Louise Hutchins, who marked her 20th Race for Life dressed head-to-toe as a pink shark – in memory of her dad.
Around 37,300 people are diagnosed with cancer every year in the South West. Events like this – supported nationally by Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group – help fund pioneering work by Cancer Research UK, from the HPV vaccine that’s now protecting millions, to cutting-edge radiotherapy and life-extending treatments like abiraterone for advanced prostate cancer.
Elisa Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s South West spokesperson, said: “We’re hugely grateful to every person who took part. Race for Life Swindon was filled with courage, emotion and community spirit. Every donation makes a real difference – and we urge all participants to return their sponsorship money as soon as possible.”
Since launching in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, raising millions for research that continues to save lives.
Organisers also encouraged participants to contribute songs to the official #PlaysForLife Spotify playlist, keeping the spirit of the event going long after the final steps were taken.
To sign up for future events or pay in your sponsorship, visit Race For Life.
