Latest news with #RaceforLife
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Scotsman
Race for Life: Everything you need to know about Edinburgh event in Holyrood Park
The annual Race for Life event gets underway this weekend, with hundreds of runners expected to turn up to raise vital funds for charity. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Launched in 1994, the annual charity run has seen more than 10 million people raise over £970 million towards life-saving research for Cancer Research UK. Race for Life is the charity's biggest series of fundraising events with hundreds of events taking place across the UK. Here is everything you need to know. Race for Life takes place in Edinburgh's Holyrood Park on Sunday, June 1 | Cancer Research UK Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad When is the Race for Life in Edinburgh? The Race for Life in Edinburgh takes place on Sunday, June 1. The 10k starts at 10.15am and the 5k begins at 11am . Those taking part have been asked to arrive around 30 to 45 minutes before the start of their race, which will allow them to take part in a warm up session. Spectators and supporters are welcome. How can I take part? You can sign up for the 5k and 10k events by visiting the Race For life website. Child tickets cost £11 for each event and adult tickets (16 and over) cost £15.99 for the 5k and £17.49 for the 10k. What is the route? The route starts in the main playing fields at Holyrood Park and loops around Arthur's Seat. The 5k is one loop around the beauty spot and the 10k is a double lap of the Edinburgh landmark. The 10km route would usually include Duddingston Low Road, but this section remains closed due to recent rockfalls in the area. The course is wheelchair accessible however there is a steep incline on the route that may require some assistance. What is the weather expected to be like during the events? Sunday, June 1 is forecast to have light showers throughout the day, with the temperature ranging from 12C to 14C between 10am and 1pm. Wind speeds are expected to be around 15mph. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Do I need to bring anything to Race for Life 2025? Organisers have reminded anyone taking part to bring their own water bottle. There will be a water refill station at the finish line. Racers are urged to wear breathable sportswear and well-fitting trainers. They should also remember to bring along their race number and back sheet as well as safety pins to attach them.
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Brave mum who beat cancer completes her first Race for Life for charity
Ann Binks, from Salsburgh, joined her brother Paul McKenna and Asda Coatbridge colleague Marie Miller as she took on the 5k course at Glasgow Green to collect vital funds for Cancer Research UK. A courageous mum and beloved member of the Monklands community has completed her first Race for Life - raising hundreds of pounds for charity as she marks an incredible six years of being cancer-free. Ann Binks, from Salsburgh, joined her brother Paul McKenna and Asda Coatbridge colleague Marie Miller as she took on the 5k course at Glasgow Green to collect vital funds for Cancer Research UK. Ann, 61, says taking part in the challenge was especially close to her heart as she recently celebrated marking six years cancer-free after she was diagnosed with breast cancer following a routine mammogram in 2019. Mum-of-one Ann, who has worked in Asda Coatbridge for 23 years and is the store's Community Champion, said: "I had a run in with this disease six years ago. "I was lucky enough to have been caught at a very early stage at a mammogram visit and I had a mastectomy. "I was terrified when they told me I would need surgery, but I got through it and I'm so grateful to be here and cancer free six years later." As well as taking part in Cancer Research UK's Race for Life, Ann has also been a passionate supporter of Asda's Tickled Pink campaign, championing the work of breast cancer charities CoppaFeel! and Breast Cancer Now. She has volunteered consistently to raise funds for the cause and always encouraged others to check themselves regularly and to never miss a mammogram. Taking part in the walk was a deeply personal moment for Ann, as well as a tribute to her close friend Eileen, who passed away from cancer in February of this year, and a continuation of her advocacy for cancer awareness and research. Ann said: 'We all have our own reasons for walking the Race for Life. "As well as my own stint with the disease, I was walking for my dear friend Eileen. "After facing cancer three times with remarkable strength, we sadly lost her in February. 'The race was an emotional rollercoaster. Every year I've watched other people doing it in Glasgow. "Even being in the crowd is emotional - there's so much support and love in the atmosphere. "This year I finally just decided I was going to try it - and I'm so glad I did." Ann says, for her, the experience was a celebration of courage, remembrance and community. Surrounded by a sea of pink and united by a common cause, she found strength in the stories, faces and cheers of those around her. Ann added: "I'll be 62 in October and can't believe I've completed my first ever Race for Life. And, believe it or not, it was surprisingly easy. "People from all walks of life take part - it's just amazing; from older folks to people with disabilities and kids. "I was joined by Marie and Paul, who supported me and encouraged me all the way. "There's plenty of crowds and entertainment - pipe bands and choirs to cheer you on. The buzz is just incredible; I'd recommend it to anyone. 'Our fundraising total is now over £800 between us, with money still coming in. *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
Glasgow Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Coatbridge Asda worker completes her first Race for Life
Ann Binks, community champion at Asda Coatbridge, joined her brother Paul McKenna and Asda colleague Marie Miller to tackle the 5K course at Glasgow Green, raising funds for Cancer Research UK. Ann said: "I had a run-in with this disease six years ago. "I was lucky enough to have been caught at a very early stage at a mammogram visit and I had a mastectomy. "I was terrified when they told me I would need surgery, but I got through it and I'm so grateful to be here and cancer-free six years later." (L-R) Marie, Paul, and Ann (Image: Supplied) Read more: Glasgow event celebrates £2.9m investment in STEM education In addition to honouring her own journey, Ann walked in memory of her close friend who sadly passed away this year. Ann said: "We all have our reasons for walking the Race for Life. "As well as my own stint with the disease, I was walking for my dear friend Eileen. "After facing cancer three times with remarkable strength, we sadly lost her in February. "The race was an emotional rollercoaster. "Every year I've watched other people doing it in Glasgow. "Even being in the crowd is emotional - there's so much support and love in the atmosphere. "This year I finally just decided I was going to try it - and I'm so glad I did." Ann walked in memory of her friend Eileen (Image: Supplied) As well as taking part in Cancer Research UK's Race for Life, Ann has also been a committed supporter of Asda's Tickled Pink campaign, championing the work of breast cancer charities CoppaFeel! and Breast Cancer Now. The mum-of-one who has worked in Asda Coatbridge for 23 years, frequently volunteered to raise funds for the campaign and is always encouraging others to check themselves regularly and never miss a mammogram. Read more: Two Glaswegians help create 'meaningful' change to future of Scottish Parliament Ann says for her, the experience was a celebration of courage, remembrance, and community. She said: "I'll be 62 in October and can't believe I've completed my first-ever Race for Life. "And believe it or not, it was surprisingly easy. "People from all walks of life take part, it's just amazing. "Our fundraising total is now over £800 between us, with money still coming in. "It's mind-blowing. "Thank you to everyone who donated, it's going towards a fantastic cause."
Daily Record
19-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Inspirational Motherwell mum who overcame cancer aged 32 chosen to launch Scotland's biggest Race for Life
Djennah Benaouicha was guest of honour at Cancer Research UK's Race for Life Glasgow. She joined her partner Ross Fisher and her five-year-old daughter Millie McKeen sounding the starter horn. An inspirational Lanarkshire mum who overcame cancer aged 32 was chosen to launch Scotland's biggest Race for Life. Djennah Benaouicha was guest of honour at Cancer Research UK's Race for Life Glasgow. She joined her partner Ross Fisher and her five-year-old daughter Millie McKeen sounding the starter horn to send thousands of participants on the 3k and 5k courses at Glasgow Green. It was an emotional moment for Djennah who despite successful treatment for an early form of breast cancer discovered she has inherited a damaged version of a gene called ATM, increasing her risk of cancer. She now faces more surgery to cut the risk of cancer returning. As almost 6,000 people took to the streets of Scotland's largest city £735,754 was raised for Cancer Research UK- vital funds which will enable scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer- to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. Over the last 50 years, Cancer Research UK's work has helped double breast cancer survival in the UK. Djennah, a physiotherapist from Motherwell, recalls vividly the uncertainty she felt when doctors at University Hospital Wishaw told her she had cancer on October 1 2024, the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Djennah, now 33, said: 'Your world collapses when you hear the word cancer. 'My daughter had just started school and we'd been making plans for her fifth birthday which was three days away. But I felt lucky that the cancer had been caught early. 'I'm well now so it's important to me to do everything I can to raise awareness. I want to support research to help people going through cancer right now and to find better treatments for my daughter's generation.' Every year around 34,600 people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland. Djennah's team raised £861 by completing the Race for Life Glasgow 3k route. She was joined at the start line of Race for Life by Dr Kirsteen Campbell of the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute and the University of Glasgow. Breast cancer is a major focus for Dr Campbell's research and she's also part of a team studying other cancers including prostate, pancreatic, lung and brain cancer. The team has discovered a weak spot in cancer cells that healthy cells don't rely on as much. By targeting this vulnerability, scientists hope to kill more cancer cells while also making existing treatments gentler and more effective. They're investigating how special drugs called BH3 mimetics can help by blocking a protein called MCL-1, especially in cancers that don't respond well to current treatments. Dr Campbell said: 'We're proud that our research today in Scotland could make a difference to patients in the future. 'By targeting the proteins that help cancer cells stay alive, we aim to find better, more effective and kinder treatments. Research to understand more about the disease is expensive. That's why I'm in awe of every single person who crosses the finish line at Race for Life. Thank you Glasgow.' A team of teachers and youngsters from Caldervale High School in Airdrie took part in memory of senior six pupil Isla Sneddon who was 17 when she died in March 2025 from cancer. Isla's family also took part in the 5k including Isla's cousin Fiona Sandilands. Caldervale High School deputy head Scott Morgan said: 'Isla was such an important part of the school community. 'She is loved and missed by all of us. We are keen to do everything we can to raise much needed funds for cancer research.' Fancy dress costumes also included a team dressed as inflatable unicorns raising awareness of skin cancer. Participants were entertained on the course by the Rock Choir and members of the ScottishPower pipe band. Labour MP for Glasgow East John Grady ran the 5k and afterwards gave medals out at the finish line. Cancer Research UK's Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, is an inspiring series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research. Now organisers are sending a heartfelt message of thanks to everyone who put their best feet forward as well as their supporters. And they're appealing for people to make every step count by paying in sponsorship money as soon as possible. Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK's spokesperson in Scotland, said: 'We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life Glasgow. 'No matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for. Sadly nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime*** but all of us can support the research that will beat it. 'We're proud that Race for Life has had such a positive impact. Every pound raised supports our life-saving work, which has helped double cancer survival in the UK over the last 50 years. 'It was a fantastic day at Race for Life Glasgow, full of emotion, courage, tears, laughter and hope as people celebrated the lives of those dear to them who have survived cancer and remembered loved ones lost to the disease. 'Now we're asking everyone who took part to return the money they're raised as soon as possible. Every donation, every pound raised will make a real difference. '
Edinburgh Live
18-05-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
West Lothian woman's decision to listen to her body could have been what saved her life
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A West Lothian woman's decision to trust her gut and get her breasts checked could have been what saved her life. Jill MacGregor, 59, was diagnosed with breast cancer on her 48th birthday back in 2013 after she went to the GP to get a twinge in her breast bone area checked out. She was sent for a mammogram and what she thought to be a pulled muscle turned out to be a tear in her chest wall muscle - but while specialists were looking for the cause of her pain, they also found an abnormality. "There was no lump, I had been exercising and I just had a little pain," she said. "I just thought 'I wonder if I pulled a muscle' and if I'm honest, that probably went on for a few months of really not being too concerned. I think you justify it so I was almost like 'oh it's cycle related' but then I got to a stage where I thought 'you're thinking about this more, so just go and get it checked' so I did. "My GP was absolutely fantastic, again, she was not in the least bit concerned but because I was at that age, I was 48, so still two years before I would be in the routine screening, she said to me, 'Do you know what, just as routine, I'll send you for a mammogram. "She said, 'I'm not sending you because I think its anything, it just puts your mind at rest.' I had no worries at all about it and when I went back the consultant said to me, 'I think its been a wee tear in your chest wall muscle, but we just want to send you back along for another mammogram because there's just a wee area, completely unrelated to that that we want to check.'" Jill went back for another mammogram and was told, on November 28, 2013: "You have breast cancer." From there, her life was turned upside down and the Edinburgh fitness coach was booked in for a full mastectomy and a course of chemotherapy and radiation. Thankfully, her treatment worked and she has been cancer free for over 10 years now, and urges others to listen to their bodies and advocate for themselves. She said: "Don't ignore any symptoms, no matter how small it seems just go to your GP and get an appointment. If you're not happy with the outcome, ask again, go and see somebody else." Jill has always been actively involved with Cancer Research and would lead the warmups for the Race for Life in Edinburgh and South Queensferry, even before she was diagnosed, but after going through cancer herself, she has only become more involved. The latest fundraiser she is involved in is to raise money for is a cream tea in aid of Cancer Research taking place in Edinburgh on Saturday, June 7. "Being able to run events which fundraise is better than just asking people to sponsor you," She continued. "Last year, ran the Paris Marathon to celebrate 10 years cancer free. "We did lots of fundraising for that, we did quiz nights, afternoon teas, we did the lot and we raised over £6,000 that time so when Elaine said that they were doing the cream tea I just said 'count me in!' "Through my classes I've been touched with so many of my own members that come to my classes going through the same journey and I'll say, for me 'that's 12 years ago' and sometimes it feels like yesterday and other times you think 'I've left it well and truly behind me' but I think for me, it's really important to be able to give back. I think that's why I'm still so heavily involved with cancer research." Now she is urging others to come along and support Cancer Research at what is sure to be a fun and social afternoon tea. She added: "We can all do our own little bit, and I know times are hard, I get that but it's just a nice social afternoon. All we're saying to people is, come along bring a few friends sit down have scones, cake, tea, a wee glass of fizz if you want - a nice afternoon for £6." The afternoon tea will take place on Saturday, June 7, from 2.30-4pm at the Holy Cross Church on Davidsons Mains. More information on the event and tickets can be purchased here.
