Race for Life cancelled in Milton Keynes

Hundreds of people had signed up for the 5k or 10k race, which traditionally takes place in early July.

Earlier in lockdown, it was announced the event had been postponed until September 5, when it was hoped restrictions on large gathering would be eased.

But this week the charity has made the "difficult decision" to cancel all 400 Race for Life events planned across the UK to protect people from coronavirus.

Participants who have already signed up need not do anything and will be contacted directly by the charity to be offered a refund or a chance to donate their entry fee.

Sadly, the cancellation means Cancer Research UK will see fundraising income decline by up to 25 per cent in the next financial year.

But the charity is urging people to complete their own fundraising Race for Life at Home challenge at home or in a local park instead . People can visit raceforlife.org and sign up free for ideas under the hashtag, #RaceForLifeAtHome.

Jenny Makin, Cancer Research UK spokesperson in the South East, said: “We remain tirelessly committed to making progress for people affected by cancer but now more than ever, support from the public will be vital. We simply will not be able to continue funding our life-saving work without it.

“Since it began in 1994, Race for Life has raised over £890m for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has taken part and hope their support will continue.

“We know Race for Life is such a treasured part of the UK’s events calendar and it is with a heavy heart that for the first time in 27 years we have to announce that it won’t be taking place. The safety of our supporters, volunteers, suppliers and staff is however essential.

“We hope the Race for Life event series will be back bigger and stronger than ever in 2021. In the meantime, we’d love to invite as many people as possible to join us by taking part in Race for Life at Home in these challenging times.”

.Jenny added: “Cancer hasn’t stopped and people affected by cancer need our support more than ever.

“From a run or 5K walk around the garden or local park to limbo in the living room, there is no wrong way to Race for Life at Home. With no entry fee, people might choose to twerk, star jump, squat, skip, dance, trampoline, or come up with their own novel way of taking part and share it with friends. We’re urging everyone – men women and children – to join our community and help raise vital funds.”

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