Here's why Tesco staff in Milton Keynes will be wearing pink this weekend

Tesco staff in Milton Keynes and beyond, will be in the pink this weekend, showing support for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.

Supermarkets across the UK, will be supporting the national fundraiser, which takes place on April 23, 24 and 25.

‘Tesco Turns Pink’, is a celebration of a 20-year partnership between the supermarket chain and Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life. The companies have put on a series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events, which raise millions of pounds every year.

Money raised from these races is used to fund research into 200 types of the disease – including bowel cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, testicular cancer, brain cancer, children’s cancers and leukaemia.

Due to the need to stop the spread of the Coronavirus this years events will focus on virtual races rather than mass gatherings that you'd typically have seen prior to the pandemic.

More conventional Race for Life events that were scheduled to have taken place in the spring and early summer have been cancelled. Instead runners can get involved by running alone or in small, socially distanced groups to help people with cancer.

By visiting raceforlife.org you can enter Race for Life at Home for £5 then receive a pack which includes a medal.

Tesco colleagues are due to take part in a live broadcast on the official Race for Life Facebook and Instagram pages on Saturday April 24 which will include an energiser from a fitness expert as well as inspirational messages of support from people who have been through cancer.  Participants are then invited to run, walk or jog 5K. Organisers are also inviting participants to share photos and videos on social media using the hashtag #RaceatHome.

David Ford, communications manager at Tesco said: “Race for Life is very close to our hearts and we are so proud of Tesco’s long-standing support. I’m sure all our colleagues will be involved and because of the current restrictions we’ve got more ways than ever for customers to donate to Race for Life. They can now round up at self-service tills in store, also donate their Clubcard vouchers and make an online donation.

“Over the last 20 years more than 360,000 Tesco colleagues and customers have taken part in Race for Life and every year they raise millions for Cancer Research UK.”

Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Tesco for their support over the last 20 years.

“Though a difficult decision, postponing our Race for Life events until autumn gives us the best chance of ensuring they can go ahead with all necessary COVID-19 guidelines in place. We can’t wait to get everyone reunited on the start line, coming together to help beat cancer.

“To keep making progress for people affected by cancer, we still need help today. We’re absolutely determined to continue our vital work to save more lives, but we can’t do it alone. Every step we take towards beating cancer relies on our brilliant supporters.

"By joining us and taking part in Race for Life at Home, everyone can make a real difference now in the fight against cancer. There are so many reasons to take part, for yourself, for loved ones going through treatment, for people we’ve lost or just as a reason to get active. Every pound will help get our life-saving work back on track.”

Events scheduled for May, June and July are postponed due to the pandemic, but organisers hope to complete as many mass races as possible later in the year.

Oonagh Turnbull, head of health campaigns at Tesco, said: “Tesco Turns Pink is one of the highlights of the year in our stores. We’re celebrating our 20th year in partnership with Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life and it has gone from strength to strength in that time.

“It will be slightly different this year because of coronavirus restrictions in place in our stores but we know that the support of our customers and colleagues in raising vital funds for this great cause will be undeterred.”

Sign up to Race for Life at Home this April and visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770. Join in and share with #RaceatHome.