Have a really mud time... and support cancer fund

Preston has been chosen to host the 5K mud-splattered obstacle course as part of the annual Race for Life events.

The Pretty Muddy event will be held on Saturday June 18 at Avenham Park. For the hundreds who take part in the annual run, the 5k and 10k courses will be held on the following day.

The Pretty Muddy is a new addition to the Race for Life family of events. It includes a number of climbing and crawling obstacles designed to get participants messy and muddy – with a few surprises along the way.

Event organisers say Pretty Muddy is non-competitive and is open to women and girls over 13 of all fitness levels.

The Cancer Research UK 5K and 10K run will take place at Avenham Park on Sunday June 19 - so there are two chances to get involved.

Jane Bullock, Cancer Research UK spokesman for Lancashire, said: “Every day, around 110 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West. That’s why we need women of all shapes and sizes to pull on their leggings, lace up their trainers and show their support.

“Race for Life events are not competitive. They are not about being fit or fast. Taking part is about being part of a collective force of powerful women - of all ages - leading the charge against cancer.

“There are lots of different events to choose from - with 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events there’s something to suit everyone. We’re urging women to pick the event that puts fire in their bellies and sign up as soon as possible.”

Money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists to advance research which is helping to save lives across Lancashire.

Jane added: “Thanks to advances in research more people are surviving than ever before, but there’s still more work to be done. The fight is on and we’re rallying women across Lancashire to join us at the starting line.

“We know that the ladies of Lancashire are ready to limber up, stride out and take on the challenge so we urge them to sign up now and help bring us one step closer to the day when all cancers are cured.”

To enter Race for Life today visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.

Candice runs in memory of beloved dad

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life in partnership with Tesco is an inspiring women-only series of 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events which raise millions of pounds every year to help defeat cancer by funding life-saving research.

Preston teenager Candice Rigby, who lost her dad to cancer when she was at primary school, will this year again be pulling on her running shoes for the cause.

The 19-year-old student from Broadgate, will be taking part in the 5K Race for Life event for the second time at Avenham Park on Sunday June 19.

Candice was inspired to join other runners in memory of her dad Brian who was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer when she was aged just seven.

Brian underwent surgery to remove most of the cancer as well as having part of his stomach removed.

But the family were told the disease had already spread into Brian’s liver and bones. He received further chemotherapy treatment and survived for another two years despite only having been given months to live.

He died at St Catherine’s Hospice in Lostock Hall aged 55 when Candice was10 years old.

Candice, who lives with mum Sue and is studying Religion, Culture and Society at UCLAN, said: “Although I was at the appointment when mum and dad were given the diagnosis news, I still struggled to understand a lot of what was happening as I was so young at the time.

“We knew my dad was dying and that was incredibly sad as he was so young.

“Taking part in Race for Life last year was a very moving experience and I can’t wait to take part again.

“I feel proud to be part of a powerful, passionate, pink army of women who are so motivated to help raise money and make a difference.”

In 2016, Cancer Research UK hopes to recruit 554,000 women and raise £55m to help fund life-saving work.

The entry fee for the 5k and 10k events is £14.99 for adults and £10 for girls under 16. This covers the costs of staging the event series and means that money raised in sponsorship can go to help beat cancer.