PICTURES: Race for Life enjoys good weather for its annual 5k raising cash for Cancer Research UK that aims to ‘not only to transform lives, but to save them’
The weather stayed kind for the Race for Life 5k earlier today as the run got underway in Inverness as hundreds of participants sought to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
Evie Morrison, a finalist in the hit TV show The Traitors, who lost both her grandparents to cancer launched Race for Life Inverness.
She sounded the horn to send more than 650 people on their way at the event at Highland Rugby Club today. More than £70,000 was raised in total at Race for Life Inverness, vital funds which will enable scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer helping to save more lives.
Evie (30), who works as a vet nurse, supported Cancer Research UK in memory of her grandmother Alice Orr who died from oesophageal cancer in 2006 aged 64. She also paid tribute to her granddad Robert Orr who died from bowel cancer.
Evie, of Inverness, said: “Race for Life was such a special day.
“I felt very privileged to be asked to see everyone off at the start line. Like so many families, our families have been touched by the disease and lost people too soon.
“My nana Alice was an incredibly strong, wonderful woman. She was head of our household and we all loved her very much. It was often three generations of us having fun together, my nana, my mum and me. When nana passed away there was a massive hole left in all of our lives. Years later we also lost my granddad to cancer. Almost everyone at Race for Life had someone in mind who they were running for.”
Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK’s spokeswoman in Scotland, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life Inverness.
“No matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for. Sadly nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime.** Race for Life has the power not only to transform lives, but to save them. We’re proud that Race for Life has already helped double survival rates in the UK.
“Life-saving research already helps people living with cancer every single day. It’s thanks to our supporters who fundraise that we can go further to discover new ways to beat the disease and create a future where everybody can live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
“It was a fantastic day at Race for Life Inverness, full of emotion, courage, tears, laughter and hope 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’re raised as soon as possible. Funds raised - whether it’s £10 or £100 - will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, helping save more lives.”
