Darlington Race for Life: Hundreds raise money for Cancer Research

There was a sea of pink in Darlington today (Sunday) as hundreds of people took part in the Race for Life.

The annual fundraiser for Cancer Research UK took part in South Park.

About 700 people took part in the fun-filled event, which is expected to raise in excess of £49,000, which will go to scientists trying to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

Among the runners, walkers and wheelchair users taking part were best friends Viv Pow and Tracy Kirk, who were chosen as VIPs to sound the horn to start the race.

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The pair met while serving in the police force and enjoyed running together for many years. Viv, who is being treated for inoperable stage 4 bowel cancer and Tracy walked the 5k route together today.

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The Northern Echo: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

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Darlington police officer Tracy is undertaking a series of running challenges on her friend’s behalf, which she is calling Viv’s Positivity POW…ER. She has already completed several marathons and is due to take part in the Great North Run and the London Marathon. She has raised £6,000 for Cancer Research UK so far.

Viv said: "The support of friends and everybody who's here makes a difference - you just realise how much you're loved when you get that support.

"Doing the hand-tapping with people at the start made it. It was just the best."

The Northern Echo: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

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Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is a series of events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.  

 Every year around 17,600 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North East.

Organisers sent a heartfelt message of thanks to everyone who took part, as well as their supporters. And they’re appealing for people to make every step count by paying in sponsorship money as soon as possible.  

 Michaela Robinson-Tate, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in the North East, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life Darlington on such a lovely, sunny day.

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

“Now we’re asking everyone who took part to return the money they’re raised as soon as possible. Funds raised, whatever the amount, will help save lives."

Race for Life Durham takes place on Sunday 3 July.

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