DETERMINED fundraisers across Worcestershire are set to unite against cancer by taking part in a special Race for Life weekend this September.

Organisers Cancer Research UK cancelled all 400 mass participation events in 2020 to protect the country’s health during the COVID-19 outbreak – and this included all Race for Life events across the county.

The cancellations have left the charity facing a £160 million drop in income in the year ahead with a £44 million cut to life-saving research funding already in 2020.

However, keen supporters have been asked to carry on with their fundraising by completing their own Race for Life 5K in their nearest green space on Saturday, September 26.

It's being called the Very 2020 Race for Life and anyone can take part outdoors either alone or in small, socially distanced groups - but all on the same day - to help people with cancer. 

Jane Redman, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for Worcestershire, said: “COVID-19 has made the fight against cancer even harder. With around 31,600 people diagnosed with the disease every year in Worcestershire and the West Midlands, we will never stop striving to create better treatments and to ensure people affected by cancer get the support we need. But we can’t do it alone. That’s why we need people to join us for a Very 2020 Race for Life.

“Vital cancer research has been delayed this year. Even though we have to do Race for Life differently in 2020, nothing’s going to stop us running, walking and jogging to raise money and help beat cancer.

“Whatever the hurdle, we’ll keep going and we’d urge as many people as possible in Worcestershire to join in on September 26. People can set off from their home to complete 5k their way that day. Things haven’t gone to plan for any of us in 2020. This is going to be a very 2020 Race for Life but together we will still beat cancer.”

A live broadcast on the Cancer Research UK Race for Life Facebook page at 9.30am on Saturday September 26 will include an energiser from a fitness expert as well as inspirational messages of support from people who have been through cancer.

Organisers are also inviting participants to share photos and videos on social media using the hashtag, #Very2020RaceForLife.

To sign up, for free, visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.