A Manchester scientist is urging people to back life-saving research and sign up for Race for Life after losing his mum to the disease.
Domonic Rothwell, Deputy Director at the Cancer Research UK National Biomarker Centre, in Manchester, is encouraging people to sign up to a Race for Life event at Heaton Park on Saturday July 6th and Sunday July 7th.
Every year around 44,100 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West of England
Money raised at Race for Life enables scientists like Dominic to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer - moving closer to a world where everyone can live longer, better lives free from the fear of the disease.
Dominic, who lives in Hazel Grove, lost his mum lost his mum, Margaret Rothwell to colorectal cancer aged 74 in 2020.
The 53-year-old, originally from Blackburn, said: “Cancer has started to affect my life more the older I have become. As we know one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetimes. Unfortunately, I lost my mum in the last couple of years, so I understand how heartbreaking this disease can be. But I am very fortunate with the job that I do, that I can make a difference with cancer research funding. I get to see the benefits when we translate the research we’re doing directly to cancer patients, and I can really see those tangible differences.”
Dominic’s research focuses on biomarker testing – this uses liquid biopsies to look for genes, proteins and other cancer-associated molecules that can provide information about a person’s cancer and how it is behaving. These biomarkers can identify an individual’s tumour type to predict what treatment might be best for them and to anticipate when a tumour might become resistant to a particular treatment, so clinicians can change course. His research could lead to new treatments and improve survival for people with cancer.
Dominic hopes his work will inspire people to raise funds. He said: “We are very lucky at the National Biomarker Centre that we do world leading research. But the kind of work we do it very expensive, and all of it is funded purely by donations to Cancer Research UK.
“I’d like to thank everyone across Greater Manchester who supports Race for Life. The funds raised already help people living with cancer every single day and will make a difference to prevent, diagnose and treat more than 200 types of cancer for patients in generations to come.”
Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, raises millions of pounds every year across the UK to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.
The Race for Life events in Manchester are open to all ages and abilities. People can choose from 3k, 5k and 10k events. There is also a chance to take part in Pretty Muddy, a 5k mud-splattered obstacle course, and there’s a Pretty Muddy Kids option
Last year, Cancer Research UK spent around £26 million on research in the North West aimed at developing new and kinder ways to tackle cancer
The North West is home to the Manchester Institute, where the charity’s work dates back to the 1930s when researchers in Manchester developed a way to deliver a consistent and evenly distributed dose of radiation to a tumour. This pioneering method dominated the radiotherapy field for the next 50 years and helped save many lives. Right now, scientists are studying different strategies to improve and personalise radiotherapy for people with cancer.
Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for the North West, Jemma Humphreys, said: “We are grateful to Dominic for his support. No matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for. Sadly nearly 1 in 2 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.
“We’d love for as many people as possible in Greater Manchester and beyond to join us at Race for Life. It’s a fun and achievable challenge for everyone and we mean everyone. Walk, jog, run or take on the course however it suits best. It’s a chance to feel the power of moving together with fellow Race for Lifers and have fun with it.
“Whether people are living with cancer, taking part in honour of or in memory of a loved one with cancer, in it for the medals or just for the fun of fundraising, there is a place for everyone.
“We are also looking for volunteers to help on the day. This includes course marshals, flag carriers, water station and medal table volunteers. Our volunteers are the heart and soul of Race for Life events. However you can help, for however long, you’ll be doing something amazing.”
Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, funding 30 years of hope and progress. Money raised has helped develop radiotherapy which benefits more than 130,000 people with cancer in the UK every year. Cancer Research UK funded scientists led the development of the Human Papillomavirus Virus vaccine, which is expected to prevent almost 90 per cent of cervical cancers in the UK. The charity also funded many large clinical trials looking at the effectiveness of the drug tamoxifen and the research shaped the way the drug is used to treat breast cancer today.
Andy Curran, Chief Executive of Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, said: “We are incredibly proud to continue as headline sponsor for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, with the opportunity to encourage participation across the country.
“By working to raise funds for life-saving research, we can move towards a future where people live longer and healthier lives, free of cancer.”
To enter, visit raceforlife.org
To volunteer at an event visit Volunteer | Race for Life | Cancer Research UK
Nearby Race for Life events:
Manchester Heaton Park, Saturday July 6; Pretty Muddy Kids – 9.45am, Pretty Muddy 5k – 11am andSunday July 7; 10k – 9.30am, 3k and 5k – 11am
Knutsford Tatton Park, Saturday June 22: Pretty Muddy Kids – 10am, Pretty Muddy 5k – 11am and Sunday June 23; 10k – 9.30am, 3k and 5k – 11am.
Warrington – Victoria Park, Sunday June 16; 10k – 10am, 3k and 5k – 11am, Pretty Muddy Kids – 12.30pm, Pretty Muddy 5k – 1.30pm
