In pictures – Leicester united against cancer in the Race for Life at Victoria Park

People in Leicestershire have united against cancer by taking part in the Race for Life at Victoria Park today (Sunday 14 July). More than 1,600 people ran, jogged and walked either the 10k, 5k or 3k courses across the city to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

A spokesman for the charity praised participants after a “fantastic day” as more than £180,000 was raised. The Leicester event was one of 32 Race for Life events held across the Midlands this summer, involving more than 25,000 participants.

Runners included Rosette Dikebele, who ran the 10k in memory of a friend’s two-year-old daughter who died of pancreatic cancer, and Sarah Walker, who was diagnosed with cervical cancer two years ago. Despite having just finished grueling chemotherapy, Sarah, from Melton, was competing with a pack of people – who were running for her.

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She said: “My cancer was detected by a routine cervical screening. I’ve had major surgery and just finished chemotherapy so it’s great to be able to take part today.”

Baldeep Purewal, from Leicester, attended the event watched by her family, husband Gurdip Singh and children Jaivyn, Harvyn and Renaya. Baldeep said: “I donate every month to Cancer Research UK and this is my second time taking part in the Race for Life.

“I decided to compete because I lost my grandmother to lung cancer and my father-in-law also passed away.” Maisy Juckes, from Leicester, also competed, running for her mother Julie as she cheered her daughter on from the sidelines.

She said: “My mum was diagnosed with breast cancer 14 years ago so I’m taking part for her.” Cancer Research UK Midlands spokesperson Louise Elliott said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in the Race for Life at Victoria Park in Leicester.

“It was a fantastic day in Leicester – full of emotion, courage, tears, laughter and hope as people celebrated the lives of loved ones who have survived cancer and remembered loved ones lost to the disease. We are now asking everyone who participated to return the money they 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 to save more lives.” Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in the Race for Life, funding 30 years of hope and progress.

The money raised has helped to develop radiotherapy which benefits over 130,000 people with cancer in the UK every year.

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