I’m starting to think there must be something wrong with me. I mean Color Run and Race for Life on consecutive Sundays? For someone who said they hate running? But this time it was personal and my little way to give something back.
Race For Life is something I have done many a time in the past few years. A 5km run, walk, jog or stroll for women only raising money for Cancer Research UK. Many people taking part have beaten cancer or know someone who has. Many have lost loved ones to cancer and take part in their memory to raise vital funds in the hope that, one day, this vile disease can be eliminated. Scottish Power, yes the energy people, actively raise funds for the charity as well as sponsor the Race For Life events across the country. Their own campaign Scottish Power High 5 Wave Challenge hopes to raise £30,000 for the charity by encouraging 55,000 people to take photographs of themselves at the race doing a high 5!
Donning my pink high 5 glove off I toddled to Heaton Park to take part with hundreds of other women. Many had back signs detailing loved ones they were running in celebration of, people who had either beaten or been lost to cancer. It was a hot day and even if I was at my peak fitness I don’t think I could ever run this race in its entirety. It’s hilly, it was hot yes but what was harder to take was the sheer amount of people running for people they had lost. I always get a lump in my throat at how this must affect people and I actually had tears in my eyes seeing a young girl at the start line in a wheelchair with no hair. Surrounded by friends sporting her picture on their back sign she had the biggest smile on her face and was thoroughly enjoying her day, showing that she wasn’t letting cancer beat her by any stretch. Such an inspiration and a reminder to live each day to its fullest.
Weaving through the walkers we managed to pick up a little pace in some areas of the course choosing to walk in areas to take in the atmosphere. We were presented with medals and had our photograph taken for the Scottish Power high 5 wave, our bit towards their 50,000 waves.
There are still events taking place up and down the country and Scottish Power are 9000 waves off their target. Isn’t it about time you rounded up your girlfriends and did your bit? If I can do it anyone can…
A massive thank you to Scottish Power who paid for me to take part in this event and also gave a large donation to Race For Life on my behalf.
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