ORGANISERS of Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life events have announced all of their events have been cancelled this year, including those taking place in Reading.

The charity has taken the decision to withdraw all 400 Race for Life events across the UK this year to protect the country’s health as restrictions on mass gatherings caused by the Covid-19 pandemic continue.

This includes the Race for Life 5k and 10k due to take place in Newbury on September 13 and the Race for Life 5K, 10K, Pretty Muddy Kids and Pretty Muddy due to take place in Reading on September 26 and 27.

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Participants who have already signed up will be contacted directly by the charity.

Cancer Research UK expects to see its fundraising income decline by up to 25 per cent in the next financial year as a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jenny Makin, Cancer Research UK spokesperson in Berkshire, said: “We remain tirelessly committed to making progress for people affected by cancer but now more than ever, support from the public will be vital.

"We simply will not be able to continue funding our life-saving work without it.

“Since it began in 1994, Race for Life has raised over £890m for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work. "We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has taken part and hope their support will continue.

“We know Race for Life is such a treasured part of the UK’s events calendar and it is with a heavy heart that for the first time in 27 years we have to announce that it won’t be taking place.

"The safety of our supporters, volunteers, suppliers and staff is however essential.

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“We hope the Race for Life event series will be back bigger and stronger than ever in 2021.

"In the meantime, we’d love to invite as many people as possible to join us by taking part in Race for Life at Home in these challenging times.”

Organisers are inviting participants to join the Race for Life at Home community by sharing photos and videos on social media using the hashtag, #RaceForLifeAtHome

Jenny added: “Cancer hasn’t stopped and people affected by cancer need our support more than ever.

“From a run or 5K walk around the garden or local park to limbo in the living room, there is no wrong way to Race for Life at Home."

She continued: "We’re urging everyone – men women and children – to join our community and help raise vital funds.”

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring series of 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events which raise millions of pounds every year to find new ways to tackle cancer.

The Berkshire events had originally been scheduled to take place in the summer but were rescheduled for dates later in the year several weeks ago.

For more information, visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.