Bournemouth looks pretty in pink as Race for Life returns

Cancer Research UK’s much-loved events returned to the town but with socially distanced measures to keep participants safe.

Around 800 participants took part in the three races – a 10k run which set off at 11.30 and and two 5k races , which commenced at 12.15pm and 12.30pm.

• 81-year-old father and his son to take on Race For Life this weekend
• Race For Life returns to Bournemouth this weekend

Among the participants was a group of colleagues from Tesco in Bournemouth who took part in both the 5k and 10k events.

Community champion for Tesco in Bournemouth Sally Teixeira said: “My target was to get 50 people to take part. The most we have had at one of these events is 35 people.

“We lost two colleagues in the last year or so, one in June 2020 and the other was earlier this year. One of the ladies worked all the way through the pandemic and didn’t make a fuss. We are doing it for them.

“We want to raise at least £1,000 in total which I think we have done. Our boss, Andrew Hossack, the store manager for Bournemouth Extra, has raised £650 himself.”

Money raised will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, saving lives as the charity fights back from the impact of the pandemic.

Another participant in the first 5k race was Jenny Phillips.

She said: “I lost my mum on December 15, 2005, as she died of lung cancer and four brain tumours.

“I am raising money in her memory for her and my lovely stepdad who has just been diagnosed with a terminal illness.”

Whilst the number of participants was less than in previous years, area event manager Joe Hutchinson said that the amount of money fundraised per head was better than any other year.

He added: “It has gone really well. It is good to see events like this going ahead this year and to see so many happy people coming out to take part in the runs or to support friends and family.

“We have had to overcome a few problems to put on this event, but it is fantastic to be able to welcome our fundraisers back and host Race for Life again. It is great to see Bournemouth come together as a community and support such a great cause

“I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who came out and took part or supported loved ones around the course. It makes the organising of it massively worthwhile, and, with your help, the money raised will go on to help save people’s lives.”