Women urged to send in Race for Life money

By Linzi Watson

Last updated 09:25, Saturday, 30 August 2008

WOMEN who took part in this year’s Race for Life in Carlisle are being urged to send their money in after it was revealed that only half of the £263,000 pledged has been collected.

Appeal: Only half of the £263,000 pledged in the Carlisle race has been collected

Organisers say that some fundraisers haven’t yet sent their sponsor money in for the race, which raises cash for Cancer Research.

This year’s Race for Life saw almost 4,000 women from across Cumbria come together to celebrate the lives of loved ones who had been affected by cancer.

The women ran arm in arm during two races at the Sheepmount stadium on Sunday, July 13.

Launching the event this year was Border TV Lookaround presenters Kate Fisher, Jennifer Humphreys and Helen Pearson.

For the first time, women taking part were given a special chance to honour those affected with a special Reflection Zone set up at the stadium for the display of commemorative signs and messages.

Gloria Hunniford, who is patron of Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, has this week issued a “gentle reminder” to those who have not yet handed over their sponsor money.

The TV presenter, who lost her daughter Caron to cancer four years ago, said: “I would like to send my personal and heartfelt thanks to each and every one of the 3,734 Carlisle women who took part.

“I have been told that thanks to their genuine enthusiasm and emotion, the atmosphere at Bitts Park on Sunday, July 13 was once again truly inspiring.

“The brilliant turnout in Carlisle has helped make the 2008 series the second largest in the 15-year history of Race for Life. Over 700,000 women came together at events across the UK, all raising money for research into all forms of cancer while remembering loved ones lost to the disease or celebrating those who’ve survived.”

She added: “So far, those taking part in the Carlisle event have returned an amazing £127,287 in sponsorship.

“But I would just like to send a gentle reminder to those who have yet to do so to take that final step and send in their money – helping us reach the Carlisle target of £263,000.”