Last Sunday, I spent my morning volunteering at Cancer Research UK's annual event 'Race for Life.' This fundraising event is held all over the country, and is an amazing opportunity for people to show their support for the work Cancer Research UK does, in order to not only find a cure, but develop ways to manage the harsh reality of living and dealing with cancer. You can find out more about the work Cancer Research UK do, and how this benefits the fight against cancer by visiting their website: http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/
You can register to volunteer at your local 'Race for Life' each year in the months leading up to the event, although you do also have the option to sign up on the day. A few weeks before the event, you receive emails with all the relevant information outlining how your dedication and valuable work will benefit the event, and ensure it is an effective and enjoyable fundraiser.
After signing in or registering on the day, you are well instructed of what your role and responsibility is for the event. Roles can vary from marshalling to setting off pink-coloured smoke canons at the start of the event. My role this year was to assist on the 'Start' and 'Finish' line. This meant that my role was to help manage the 'runners', 'joggers', and 'walkers' into their designated areas, making sure they were lined up ready to make their way to the 'Start' line and begin the race. After all of the participants had crossed the ribbon, we were told to promptly make our way to the 'Finish' line as the first runner could be sprinting through the 'Finish' in just 18 minutes.
Over at the 'Finish' line, we organised ourselves into medal, snack, and water distributers at either side of the line, and soon after the first person sprinted through the pink ribbon. Thanks to the supporters on the side line, the participants making their way through the 'Finish' line, and the enthusiastic attitude of the volunteers; the atmosphere was amazing, so supportive, and most of all passionately positive about curing cancer sooner. From current sufferers, survivors, dedicating relatives, and empathetic supporters, the participants of the event, all varying in athletic and medical abilities, demonstrated just how effective the fight against cancer can be when we all come together, and work towards something that affects so many people.
If you happen to find a free weekend in your diary next year around May, June, or July, I highly recommend you experience the atmosphere of this worthwhile event yourself. Whether you are running, cheering, or handing out water, I can assure you that you will be convinced cancer is a battle we CAN win!
