A DETERMINED mum-of-three, currently being treated for breast cancer, was among almost a thousand people who took part in Race For Life Poole at the weekend.

Despite only having an operation on Friday, Charlotte Lewis carefully completed the 5k course at Baiter Park on Saturday alongside her husband and three children Jack, Michael and Elizabeth.

Elizabeth, 10, has had cancer herself four times and took part in the Kids Pretty Muddy event.

She said, “It was really fun and I really enjoyed it. It means we can raise money for Cancer Research UK and make sure people can have a nice and fun life.”

Charlotte, who had a lymph node removed on Friday, said, “Walking the route made it easier for me after my op but I really wanted to take part.

“It’s such a buzz and the money raised is amazing. If it wasn’t for research and finding cures for cancers my daughter and I wouldn’t be here.

“My daughter Elizabeth has had cancer four times now and it would have wiped her out the first time if I wasn’t for cancer research – it’s lifesaving.”

Cancer Research UK’s much-loved events returned to the town but with socially distanced measures to keep participants safe.

Around 5,500 people are diagnosed with cancer in Poole every year. Money raised will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, saving lives as the charity fights back from the impact of the pandemic.

Joe Hutchinson, Race for Life event manager, said: “It’s great to see Race for Life returning to Poole with the same fun atmosphere it has always had.

“It’s fantastic to see people embracing the event in their t-shirts and tutus whilst also remembering why we’re raising money.

“Lots of people taking part have had cancer, lost people to cancer, are still living with cancer and so it’s great these events are back so that we can raise money to help beat cancer together.”

Now organisers of the 3K, 5K, 10K and Pretty Muddy events are sending a heart-felt message of thanks to everyone who put their best feet forward, as well as their supporters.

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.

Funds raised - whether its £10 or £100 will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the 200 types of cancer including bowel cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, testicular cancer, brain cancer, children’s cancers and leukaemia.

So far this year the event has raised £3.8m nationally. Sponsorship money can be paid online, by phone, by cheque or in person at a Cancer Research UK shop.

Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, Cancer Research UK’s work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has been at the heart of the progress that has seen survival in the UK double in the last 40 years. 

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