Cancer survivor ready to Race for Life - The Leamington Observer

Cancer survivor ready to Race for Life

Leamington Editorial 20th Jun, 2014 Updated: 28th Oct, 2016   0

CANCER survivor Elizabeth Barker is gearing up to give cancer the boot at Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life – and she wants 6,000 women across the region to join her.

The Snitterfield resident has written a defiant message to cancer on her walking boots to show she means business as she gets ready to Race for Life at Stoneleigh Park on Sunday June 29.

And she is urging women of all ages to join her and sign up now for one of three different Race for Life events over the same weekend.

Elizabeth, a product manager at Wolseley UK builders merchants in Leamington, said: “I’m here today thanks to research. That’s why I’m taking part in Race for Life, to help Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists help more people like me.




“I’m extremely proud to be joining the huge, formidable army of women who will be standing side by side on the starting line at Stoneleigh Park with one mission in mind – to hit cancer where it hurts.

“I’ve written my message to cancer on my walking boots to symbolise the fact that every step I take – together with the steps being taken by tens of thousands of women at Race for Life events across the UK – will help bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.


“Now I want to invite other women to join me and send their own message to cancer, by signing up to Race for Life today.”

Elizabeth was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2010 after noticing a lump on her right breast.

She said: “It was quite a shock when I was diagnosed with cancer. I noticed an obvious lump in my breast that hadn’t been there before, so I went to the doctors who referred me straight to Warwick Hospital.”

Elizabeth underwent surgery to remove the lump before having chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment after her cancer had spread to one of her lymph nodes.

Once her treatment finished, she took to running to raise funds for research into cancer.

“I took part in my first Race for Life the year after I was diagnosed with my mum and two sisters.” said Elizabeth. “I did another one last year with a friend but I am hoping that my six-year-old niece Bethany will be running this year as well.”

And as well as her own fundraising efforts, Elizabeth’s partner Darran Rickards will also be doing his bit for Cancer Research UK when he takes part in the 100 mile Ride London cycling event on August 10.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life is an inspiring women-only series of 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events – a 5k obstacle course with mud – which raises millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer sooner.

This year, organisers need 6,100 women and girls to stride out to help raise £366,000 at Race for Life in Coventry and Warwickshire.

To enter Race for Life’s 5k, 10k or Pretty Muddy events in the region visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050.

Elizabeth Barker is gearing up to give cancer the boot. (s)

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