Preston Race for Life event cancelled - but Cancer Research UK still needs your help

The charity's Race for Life event in Preston was originally due to take place in June, but was rescheduled to August due to the coronavirus crisis.

But organisers announced today (June 4) that all 400 Race for Life events across the UK have been cancelled this year to "protect the country’s health as restrictions on mass gatherings caused by the covid-19 crisis continue."

This includes the Race for Life 5K and 10K at Moor Park in Preston.

Participants who have already signed up will be contacted directly by the charity.

Cancer Research UK expects to see its fundraising income decline by up to 25 per cents in the next financial year as a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jane Bullock, Cancer Research UK spokesperson in the North West, 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 park 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 it won't be taking place. The safety of our supporters, volunteers, suppliers and staff is however essential."

Cancer Research UK hopes the Race for Life event series will be back bigger and stronger than ever in 2021, but in the meantime they are inviting as many as people as possible to join them by taking part in Race for Life at Home.

Undeterred, people across Preston are already vowing to carry on and complete a Race for Life at Home challenge, in their garden or their nearest green space.

People can visit raceforlife.org and sign up for free to get ideas on how they can create their own special challenge.

Organisers are also inviting participants to join the Race for Life at Home community by sharing photos and videos on social media using the hashtag #RaceForLifeAtHome.

Jane continued: "Cancer hasn't stopped and people affected by cancer need our support more than ever."

To find out more on how to help the charity, visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.