30 Verastar runners will be taking on the 5k Pretty Muddy challenge this year which is to be held at the Tatton Park site, in Cheshire. Cancer is one of those life changing diseases that will, unfortunately, affect most of us at some point in our lives; be it a friend or family member receiving the devastating diagnosis or even ourselves. The Verastar Team will be taking on the challenge on Saturday 24th June.
Let’s hear from some of our runners this year…
Emma Stringer, AQS Manager
This year will be my first ever race, not only for Cancer Research UK but for any charity or event. I wanted to take part last year however wasn’t able to, due to recent events I have never been more determined to take part in something like this.
Like many others cancer has affected many people in my life; my Dad was diagnosed with testicular cancer aged just 17. Thankfully he has now been in remission for many years. My wife’s Nan unfortunately passed away in 2013 after losing her battle against this awful disease. A close family friend has recently gone into remission after a yearlong battle against bowel cancer; her face now appears on awareness posters in Cancer Research UK shops. Most recently we received the devastating news that my wife’s step Dad has stage 4 lung cancer. He is currently undergoing treatment to try to give him as much time as possible.
Race for Life isn’t all doom and gloom, it’s about rallying together to show support for those who are undergoing treatment, raise awareness that if symptoms are checked out early enough that there is a good survival rate. By raising money, we will be able to help these charities continue their life saving work.
Danielle Mallia, Retentions Manager
I’m doing this for both my Mum and my Dad.
Sadly, back in 2008, I lost my Mum to this awful disease; this meant that she missed a lot of the big milestones like her grandson growing up. More recently I also lost my Dad to the same disease. Although I’m now an adult, there is nothing more heart breaking than losing both parents.
Cancer has taken a huge part of my life so if by me doing this it helps to find further treatment or even a cure someday to help prevent other people from going through the same as me, then that is the least I can do.
Helen Keenan, Escalations Advisor
I am taking part as quite a few people close to me have been affected by cancer.
Quite a few years ago now my nephew was diagnosed with liver cancer aged 2, he fought this horrible disease for 5 years where it spread to his lungs and he lost his fight aged 7.
Last year, I myself had a scare with cervical cancer. Luckily I was treated before it was too late. My step sister in-law wasn’t so lucky and is currently undergoing chemo at Christies still fighting this.
Unfortunately earlier this year my mother in-law passed away, with a sudden diagnosis of stage 4 advanced lung cancer.
This has all made me realise how cancer affects so many people, and it is so important to help raise money so that in the future we will find a cure for cancer, so that families don’t have to go through what me and my family have had to, as this changes your lives forever.
Good luck ladies!
