No matter how you interpret cancer statistics, it's going to make upsetting reading. However, there is undoubtedly cause for optimism and hope, as survival rates have risen (dramatically in certain cases) for many types of cancer thanks to advancements in medical treatments.

It is this progress and a will to keep fighting for advancements that inspired hundreds of women to support one of the biggest annual events hosted by Cancer Research UK.

About 1,400 women of all ages gathered in Horsham Park on Sunday 7 June for the Race for Life. Personal pride is the only prize for finishing first, as the aim of the event is to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK. It is
estimated that the competitors, many of whom ended up jogging or even walking parts of the 5km course, raised £90,000 through the event.

Similar Race for Life events were held across the country, in partnership with Tesco, helping to raise millions of pounds for the charity.

Here in Horsham, women turned out from across the county to take part.Lesley Munnoch spurned the traditional pink theme and ran as a nun! She said: "I ran as a dog last year and one year I dressed as The Queen to celebrate the Jubilee. I like to do something a bit different to cheer everybody up!"

Jillie Slope took part with her daughter, who braved the devilish course despite being given the entry number 666. Jillie said: "My cousin has had a double mastectomy and a friend of mine, who was supposed to be running with me today but is ill, was running for her cousin who has terminal cancer and a friend who recently passed away. There is a very strong connection to Cancer Research UK for us so it's an event we want to support."

Young Runners

An encouraging number of children took part with sisters, mums, aunts and grandmas.

Liz Bowen ran with her two daughters, Emily Lloyd and Grace Bowen. She said: "I first ran in the Race for Life to support a friend whose husband and stepmother were both diagnosed with cancer in the same fortnight.

"I've carried on taking part, because I like to support the cause and I always have a great day. This is the fourth year I've been to the event, but it's the first year here for the girls. They did very well. I thought they would walk most of the course, but they stormed it!

"My sister helped dress us up for the day. This year, we are the hot pink heroes, and last year we were pirates. It was very tricky to run in an eyepatch!"

Over 100 Farlington day girls, boarders, mothers and staff took part in the Horsham event for a second year in
succession. Sara Whittaker, Farlington's Director of PE and Games, said: "To have so many women and girls from the school participate was excellent and we are well on our way to exceeding our fundraising target.

Voluntary Help

With so many runners competing, hosting the event requires a great number of voluntary helpers and marshals.

Amongst those helping out were the Air Cadets from 1015 (Horsham) Squadron, who formed a line to channel runners into their respective categories – runners, joggers and walkers - and helped start the race with a team from Heart FM. The cadets then handed out water, snacks and medals to runners as they crossed the finish line.

Flight Lieutenant Richard Foster, The Officer Commanding of 1015 (Horsham) Air Cadets, said:"This is the third time we have done this since Race for Life came to Horsham in 2013 and we look forward to helping out again next year.

"Throughout the day the cadets were fantastic and I couldn't thank them enough for all their efforts. So many people commented on how smart and well-mannered they were."

Additional Fundraising

As well as money raised through sponsorship by competitors, hundreds of people supported initiatives to boost the coffers. Volunteers Sandra Clark and Sara Knowles were selling pink flowers, whilst a six-strong team at the flower gazebo were seen walking amongst the competitors, making sales.

Kerry Day, Treasurer of Dorking Friends of Cancer Research UK, said: "On behalf of Cancer Research UK, we sold 650 flowers and may I say how generous everyone in Horsham was.

"The suggested donation was £1 but we received a total of £1,203! It was the first time we had been asked to help on the day and it was great fun and hugely rewarding. So many people came up to us wanting a flower that we ran out and the last one was auctioned by Heart FM."

Money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK's doctors, nurses and scientists to advance
research which is helping to save the lives of men, women and children across Sussex.

Next year's Race for Life is scheduled to take place in Horsham Park on Sunday 5 June 2016 at 11am.

Pictures: Toby Phillips

Words: Ben Morris

Published: 2 July 2015