Photos: Runners and walkers take part in Margate Race for Life

Race for Life at Palm Bay Photo Frank Leppard

A sea of pink dotted with lilac and black could be seen at Palm Bay yesterday (October 17) as participants gathered for the Race for Life event.

The Race for Life is Cancer Research UK’s biggest series of fundraising events. Taking place across the UK, the events include 5k and 10k routes for participants to walk, jog or run, as well as Pretty Muddy obstacle events.

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Almost 500 people across Margate united against cancer by taking part in Race for Life at Palm Bay.

Cancer Research UK’s much-loved event returned to the town but with socially distanced measures to keep participants safe. Runners in the 10k event collected almost £30,000 in sponsorship to help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, saving lives as the charity fights back from the impact of the pandemic.

Photo Frank Leppard

Now organisers are sending a heart-felt message of thanks to everyone who put their best feet forward, as well as their supporters. And they’re appealing for people to make every step count by paying in sponsorship money as soon as possible so that it can be used to fund life-saving research.

Lynn Daly, Race for Life spokesperson in Margate, said: “Everyone can play their part to beat cancer.

“Life saving research is being funded right now thanks to our supporters who fundraise. All 400 mass participation Race for Life events across the UK were cancelled last year to protect the country’s health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo Carl Hudson

“This year, it was particularly special to see Race for Life return to Margate. The atmosphere on the day was hugely moving – full of emotion, courage, tears and laughter as people celebrated the lives of those dear to them who have survived cancer and remembered loved ones lost to the disease. Now we’re asking everyone who took part to return the money they’ve raised as soon as possible.”

Photo Frank Leppard

Funds raised – whether it’s £10 or £100 will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, helping save more lives.”

Sponsorship money can be paid online, by phone, by cheque or in person at a Cancer Research UK shop.

For information on returning sponsorship or to make a donation, visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.

Among the participants was 32-year-old Stephen Macabe (pictured with friend Hayley) from Margate. He said: “I was running in the memory of my late mum and nan who sadly passed away to the horrible disease.”