Over £40k raised for cancer research at Bury St Edmunds Race for Life

The Race for Life saw people taking part in 3k, 5k and even 10k events at Nowton Park, with all proceeds going to Cancer Research UK.

(L-R) Emma Rodgers, Molly Rodgers, Kate Grant, Leah Graham-Scott, Isaac Rodgers and Gill Rodgers ahead of the Race for Life 5k in Nowton Park (Image: Archant)

Ashley Finloy won the Race for Life 10k (Image: Archant)

Rose and Isabella Albon are running the Nowton Park Race for Life with their parents (Image: Archant)

Over £2,100 of this was raised by Team Wilbert, 11 members of the Willcox family led by seven-year-old Ruby Willcox.

Ruby herself has raised over £1,00, and said she is feeling very proud.

She was determined to run the race for her mum, Henni Willcox, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Ruby completed the race with her dad, Dale, aunties, uncles and cousins. She was dressed from head to toe in pink, the colour adopted by the breast cancer event – although she said that personally, she prefers blue.

“It was very hot, but I had a good time!” she said.

“Ruby skipped over the finish line,” said mum Henni, 37. “We’re all very, very proud of Ruby. She has been amazing – not just the fundraising, but her whole attitude throughout all of this.

“With how positive and how good she has been, Ruby is an inspiration.”

Louise Harris and Victoria Bennett ahead of the Race for Life 10k at Nowton Park (Image: Archant)

Runners set off for the Race for Life 10k in aid of Cancer Research UK (Image: Archant)

Ruby Willcox is running for her mother who has been diagnosed with breast cancer (Image: Archant)

Organisers are grateful to everyone who took part.

Event manager Rebecca Day said: “It’s been wonderful to see so many people turning Nowton Park into a sea of pink with hundreds getting into the spirit of Race for Life with their t-shirts and tutus.

“It’s a privilege to see why people are taking part too and you can’t help but be moved by the messages on people’s backsigns as they think of those close to them who have been affected by cancer.

“We thank everyone for coming along and to all their supporters for doing their bit to help us beat cancer sooner.”

Michael Jarvis, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in Bury St Edmunds, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life Bury St Edmunds.   

“Life-saving research is being funded right now thanks to our supporters who fundraise.”

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, testicular cancer, brain cancer, children’s cancers and leukaemia.     

To donate to Cancer Research UK, visit: www.cancerresearchuk.org/

(L-R) Julie Cooke, Julie Isahak and Justine Turner ready to run the Race for Life 10k at Nowton Park (Image: Archant)

Sid and Elaine Cooper are running the Race for Life 10k for Cancer Research UK (Image: Archant)

600 runners participated in the Race for Life at Nowton Park (Image: Archant)

Over £40,000 has been raised by runners in the Race for Life at Nowton Park (Image: Archant)

Runners set off for the Race for Life 10k in aid of Cancer Research UK (Image: Archant)

Ashley Finloy leads the pack at the half way point in the Race for Life 10k (Image: Archant)

Over £40,000 has been raised by runners in the Race for Life at Nowton Park (Image: Archant)

600 runners participated in the Race for Life at Nowton Park (Image: Archant)