The 2024 Winchester Race for Life drew hundreds of people to raise money for life-saving cancer research.

The more than 520 supporters collectively raised £30k for Cancer Research UK on Sunday, May 19.

Many people donned fancy dress. Superheroes, ballerinas and even ketchup bottles could be seen running the route through the North Walls Recreation Ground. At times the track became a sea of pink.

Fitness instructor and breast cancer survivor Sarah Slark, 47, of Andover, was among those taking part.

Sarah said: “I found quite a large lump in my breast at the age of 41 which turned out to be stage-two cancer. My type of cancer was HER2 positive so I received a drug called herceptin which Cancer Research UK helped to develop. Because of that, I know it’s really great to do your bit at Race for Life to help the research continue.”

Kerry Whitfield, of Hedge End, was taking part with her daughter Emily and friend, Julie Parker.

Kerry said: “We’ve been doing Race for Life for 10 years and today we’re remembering my mum whose birthday it would have been today. She passed away from uterine cancer at the age of 62.

“It’s such an amazing atmosphere here and brings everyone together, however they’ve been affected by cancer.”

Karen Savage of Southampton was accompanied by daughter Claire Belas, 30.

Hampshire Chronicle: Bowel cancer survivor Karen Savage (left) and her daughter Claire Belas (right).Bowel cancer survivor Karen Savage (left) and her daughter Claire Belas (right). (Image: Cancer Research UK)

Claire said: “We do Race for Life every year to celebrate my mum who is a bowel cancer survivor, we love doing it.”

Karen said: “I lost my dad to bowel cancer so I was very aware of the symptoms and thankfully I knew what to look for. I caught mine early and have been ok since my surgery 12 years ago. It’s so important to get symptoms checked.”

Elisa Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in Hampshire, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life Winchester.

“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.”