A Garstang family last weekend joined others from across the county to take part in Race for Life and Pretty Muddy in Moor Park.

Mum-of-two Sarah Shaw, 33, whose husband, Chris, was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma – a rare type of cancer that forms in the soft tissue – was chosen as a VIP guest to kick off Cancer Research UK’s event at Moor Park.

On Saturday, 11 June, she sounded the horn to send her children, Ryan, 10, and Amy, 6, alongside hundreds of other children, on the Pretty Muddy Kids course in the afternoon.

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Sarah, who also completed the Pretty Muddy course, said: “It’s thanks to advances in research that Chris’s treatment can happen and keep him here with us.

“I’ve been doing Race For Life for a few years now, but this is the children’s first time and has a special meaning as Daddy has cancer at the moment.

“The atmosphere is uplifting and amazing to see so many people coming together experiencing the same thing.

“I always enjoy doing Race For Life – who doesn’t like getting muddy and wet. It’s exciting but also quite an emotional day for us today.”

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The events saw over 2,000 runners raising £48,000 and counting, with the funds enabling scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

Chris was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma in January after discovering swelling in his calf muscle.

Tests confirmed it was also in his lymph nodes and both thighs and secondary in his hip and pelvis bone.

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The 37-year-old dairy farmer is now on his fifth round of chemotherapy as part of a two-year treatment plan that involves radiotherapy and targeted therapy.

Sarah said: “We thought Chris just had a blood clot, but then we received the worst news.

“We are at the beginning of our journey, and I hope and pray on a miracle that my husband heals, and we ring that bell in remission.”

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Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is a series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events that raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.   

Jemma Humphreys,  Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for the North West, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life Preston. 

“Lifesaving research is being funded now thanks to our supporters who fundraise.

“The atmosphere at Race for Life Preston was hugely moving – full of emotion, courage, tears and laughter as people celebrated the lives of those dear to them who have survived cancer and remembered loved ones lost to the disease.  

“Now we’re asking everyone who took part to return the money raised as soon as possible. Whether it’s £10 or £100, the funds will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, helping save more lives.”

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Around 44,900 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West every year,  and one in two people in the UK born after 1960  will get cancer in their lifetime.

The organisers sent a ‘heartfelt message of thanks’ to everyone who participated and their supporters.

Oonagh Turnbull, the head of health campaigns at Tesco, said: “This will be our 21st year in partnership with Cancer Research UK and Race for Life, and we hope this year can be the biggest yet.”    

To enter, visit - raceforlife.org

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