12 inspiring photos from Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life in Belfast

Mum-of-two Claire Haire, who is set to complete her final radiotherapy session in four days time, was guest of honour at the charity event, sounding the starter horn to send 1,570 participants on the 3k and 5k courses at Stormont.

More than £145,000 was raised, vital funds which will enable scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

Every year, around 10,700 people are diagnosed with cancer in Northern Ireland.

Claire, who has a faulty gene putting her at higher risk of some cancers, knows exactly how vital it is raise funds for life-saving research. She cheered on a team of 26 family, friends and neighbours who live near her home in Comber, Co Down and took part in Race for Life in her honour.

Claire said: “I come from an amazing family of strong women who have walked this path with breast cancer before and I felt incredibly proud to stand on the start line to launch Race for Life”

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life is a series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding life-saving research.  The events are non competitive, so participants can walk, jog or run or get muddy at their own pace.

The organisers are sending a heartfelt message of thanks to everyone who put their best feet forward 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.    

Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK’s spokeswoman in Northern Ireland said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life Belfast.   

"Sadly nearly one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime, but all of us can support the research that will beat it. We’re proud that Race for Life has had such a positive impact. Every pound raised supports our life-saving work, which has helped double cancer survival in the UK over the last 50 years.

"Race for Life powers progress and it relies on a whole community of people coming together, united by a common purpose to beat cancer.

"It was a special day as people came together to celebrate the lives of those dear to them who have survived cancer and to remember loved ones lost to the disease.   

"Now we’re asking everyone who took part to return the money they’re raised as soon as possible. Every donation, every pound raised will make a real difference and help people live longer, better lives free from the fear of cancer.” 

Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, contributing millions of pounds towards life-saving research.