PEOPLE across York are being urged to join an illuminating night-time walking event for Cancer Research UK.
The charity’s Shine Night Walk is set to take place on Saturday 30 September.
Entries are open now for the 10k event, where participants can choose to raise money for the area of life-saving research closest to their hearts. This includes prostate cancer, breast cancer, bowel cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, brain tumours, children’s cancers and leukaemia. Or they can simply give their backing to Cancer Research UK’s overall work.
York is one of just 17 locations across the UK selected to host a Shine Night Walk in 2023.
The event starts in Rowntree Park at 7pm, when participants will take to the city’s streets in a fun and inspirational parade of light that, stride by stride, will help beat cancer.
Passing some of York’s famous landmarks, the route will take participants near Clifford’s Tower, past York Minster and in front of Yorkshire Museum.
In Yorkshire, around 32,800 people are diagnosed with cancer each year. But, thanks to research, more people than ever across the UK are surviving for 10 years or more.
Cancer Research UK spokesperson for North Yorkshire, Lisa Millett, said: “Every day we see the benefits of research we’ve previously funded being realised and that’s down to the generosity and commitment of our incredible fundraisers.
“Last year’s York Shine Night Walk raised a fantastic £92,718, so we’re delighted to be returning to the city. For one night on 30 September the city’s streets are ours and we’re going to make it a night to remember. With every step – from Rowntree Park and beyond – participants will be supporting the work of scientists who are relentlessly striving towards new discoveries and breakthroughs.
“One in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime, but all of us can support the research that will beat it. That’s why we hope people across York will grab their glow-in-the-dark accessories, pull on their walking shoes and help us go the distance in the fight against cancer.”
Last year, Cancer Research UK spent around £6 million in Yorkshire. Research happening right now in the region, includes finding a new DNA fault in melanoma skin cancer, looking at the biology of blood cancers to find new treatments and new ways to predict treatment success in bladder cancer.
By taking part in Shine Night Walk, supporters of all abilities can support vital work such as this. Training advice is available on the website.10k is just over 6 miles and takes between 1.5 to 3 hours to complete. Participants can go at their own pace, from a leisurely stroll to a lively stride or a full-on power walk passing the city’s well-loved landmarks.
Lisa added: “It isn’t about being first across the finish line. It’s about helping drive advances in research that could give people more precious time with their loved ones. Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen cancer survival in the UK double in the last 50 years and we’re not stopping now. Together with our supporters in York, we’re working towards a world where everybody can live longer, better lives, free from the fear of this devastating disease.”
People can also shine a light for those affected by cancer by volunteering on the night. From helping to set up the Shine Night Walk course to guiding participants around the city, there are lots of opportunities to get involved, meet new people and learn new skills.
To enter or volunteer visit www.shinewalk.org
