People are being invited to step into spring by signing up to Cancer Research UK’s events in Cornwall next month.     

The charity’s much-loved Race for Life events are returning to the county and anyone who joins between Monday, April 4, and Monday, April 18, can claim a 30 per cent off the entry fee as part of a special sale by using the code EASTER30 

One in two people in the UK born after 1960 will get cancer in their lifetime. Money raised at Race for Life enables scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer-  helping to save more lives. People of all ages and abilities are invited to sign up to their local event at raceforlife.org

The Race for Life events take place at Stithians Showground, at Stithians near Truro, on Saturday, May 21. Women, men and children can choose from 3k and 5k events. There is also a chance to take part in Pretty Muddy - a mud-splattered obstacle course - and there’s a Pretty Muddy Kids option too.

Meanwhile, in South East Cornwall, family, friends and work colleagues are being encouraged to team up and take part in Liskeard’s 15th Relay for Life. The annual event, culminating this year over the weekend of May 28-29, again raises funds for Cancer Research UK.

Liskeard’s Relay is the only one of its kind in Cornwall, and attracts participants from a large area. Ahead of the main event, teams get busy staging a wide range of charitable activities from online quizzes to bake sales, virtual bingo, head shaves and more.

Carrie Richards, volunteer Chair of Cancer Research UK’s Relay For Life in Liskeard, said: “This is a great way to raise money for a truly worthwhile cause.

“During the Relay event, team members take it in turns to walk around a track to show their solidarity in the fight to beat cancer, while a variety of stalls, games and music from local performers provide entertainment.”

As dusk falls, specially made Candle of Hope bags – decorated with touching messages in memory or in celebration of loved ones – are filled with sand and lit up with candles around the track and glow long into the evening.

Carrie continued: “One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives. Taking part in Relay For Life is about being part of a community united in the belief that it can make a difference.”

COVID-19 has caused a devastating loss of research funding: Cancer Research UK is predicting a £300 million drop in income over the next three years which could put future medical breakthroughs at risk. Money raised through donations will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, helping to save more lives.

Carrie added: “We have made so much progress in the fight against this devastating disease, but it’s not just technology or knowledge that we need to win the battle to beat cancer – it’s funding. “Today as many people survive cancer as die from cancer, but there’s much more work to do.”

To find out more or sign up visit www.cruk.org/relay

With regard to the Race for Life event at Stithians, Sam Morris, Race for Life spokesperson for Cornwall, said: “Everyone can play their part to help beat cancer.

“Spring is an ideal time to commit to getting a little more active. Sadly, cancer affects all of us in some way. Whether people are living with cancer, taking part in honour of or in memory of a loved one with cancer, or signing up to protect their own children’s future, everyone has a reason to Race for Life. So, we’re asking people across the city: “Who will you Race for?”  

“Our Race for Life events are open to all. For some people, the Race for Life is literally a walk in the park. Slow and steady still wins. For others, it’s a jog. Others may opt to push themselves harder, taking up the challenge of the 10K distance and even pushing for a new personal best time.   

“But what is for certain is we’re looking forward to welcoming people of all ages and abilities. Race for Life Cornwall will be fun, emotional, colourful, uplifting and an unforgettable event this year.”   

Race for Life events across the UK this year will follow current Government guidance to protect against COVID-19. Hand sanitiser will be provided at all events.    

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, raises funds for world-class research to help beat 200 types of cancer – including bowel cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, testicular cancer, brain cancer, children’s cancers and leukaemia.     

Oonagh Turnbull, Head of Health Campaigns at Tesco, said: “This will be our 21^st year in partnership with Cancer Research UK and Race for Life and we hope this year can be the biggest yet.”   

To enter Race for Life, visit raceforlife.org