Cancer survivors and their families were among a 1,400-strong field taking part in Stoke-on-Trent’s Race for Life this evening (June 3). Brave mum Katrina Lindsay, who finished treatment for breast cancer just over a week ago, and Madeleine Cooper who was just four-years-old when she was diagnosed with a rare cancer, led the charge at Trentham Gardens.
Katrina and Madeleine both sounded the horn before Katrina took part in the 5k Cancer Research UK event. Madeleine had to pull out after suffering a foot injury.
Katrina, from Bucknall, said: “When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I felt numb. It was just three months before my 50th birthday. At the time I was caring for my fiancée’s mum who had pancreatic cancer and I went through my treatment whilst looking after her. It was difficult but we supported each other and picked each other up when times were difficult. Sadly, Carol died on June 3, 2023.”
The event was one of 32 Race for Life events taking place in the West Midlands region across 16 venues this summer involving more than 25,000 participants.
Donations will help fund scientists’ research as they look to find new ways to prevent diagnose and treat cancer, helping to save more lives. Every year, around 33,700 people are diagnosed with cancer in the West Midlands*
Madeleine was just four when she was diagnosed with a stage 4 cancerous germ cell tumour on her coccyx. Doctors originally thought she was having night terrors after repeatedly waking up screaming in pain.
After her cancer diagnosis she underwent various treatments including chemotherapy and in May 2020 had an operation to remove the tumour at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
Madeleine – who continued to do gym classes via zoom while in hospital having chemotherapy – is now a bright and bubbly little girl who loves gymnastics and has a passion for figure skating and playing the piano.
Now eight, Madeleine, was chosen as a voice of Race for Life events across the UK this year. She shared her story of going through stage 4 cancer as part of a new pre-recorded montage which was played at Trentham and will also be played at 450 Race for Life events across the UK.
Louise Elliott, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for the West Midlands, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life at Trentham.
“No matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for. Sadly nearly one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime. Race for Life has the power not only to transform lives, but to save them. We’re proud that Race for Life has already helped double survival rates in the UK.
“Life-saving research already helps people living with cancer every single day. It’s thanks to our supporters who fundraise that we can go further to discover new ways to beat the disease and create a future where everybody can live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
“It was a fantastic evening at Trentham – 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. Funds raised – whether it’s £10 or £100 – will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, helping save more lives.”
Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, funding 30 years of hope and progress. Money raised has helped develop radiotherapy which benefits more than 130,000 people with cancer in the UK every year.
Andy Curran, Chief Executive of Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, said: “We are incredibly proud to continue as headline sponsor for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, with the opportunity to encourage participation across the country.
“By working to raise funds for life-saving research, we can move towards a future where people live longer and healthier lives, free of cancer.”
