£35k raised in Race for Life at Houghton Hall

The latest 5k Race for Life event took place on Tuesday evening at Houghton Hall.

The fun run attracts seasoned runners and first-time participants alike all with the same aim, raising money for a very good cause, Cancer Research UK.

With nearly 500 runners taking part, raising over £35k in the process, this year’s event proved to be a huge success as people ran in an array of colourful and creative outfits.

Rocking the sunglasses - Sarah's Team

With almost everyone affected directly or indirectly by cancer, Cancer Research UK provides invaluable support in the battle to beat cancer. A sobering statistic is that nearly one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime, with support for research to help beat it crucial. Every single pound raised supports life-saving research, which has doubled cancer survival rates over the last 50 years.

Bones' Babes with Janette Bone

Patrick Keely, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in the East of England, said, “we are grateful to all the runners and supporters who took part in King's Lynn Race for Life and helped raise vital funds for research. It was a great event at a stunning location and the beautiful weather saw a good turn-out of men, women and children enjoying the event and raising invaluable funds for Cancer Research UK. Our thanks to the venue for their support and we look forward to returning in 2026”.

Every year, around 37,400 people are diagnosed with cancer in the East of England alone.  Patrick, added, “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 at all our Race for Life events”.  

Team Green

Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in 3k, 5k and 10k Race for Life runs across the country, contributing millions of pounds towards life-saving research.

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 was a key player in the development of radiotherapy which now benefits millions of cancer patients worldwide. Cancer Research UK played a leading role in the development of abiraterone - a drug that gives men with advanced prostate cancer more time with their friends and family.

Andy Curran, Chief Executive of Standard Life, part of the Phoenix Group, said, “we are incredibly proud to continue as the headline sponsor for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life programme, 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 enjoy better lives, free from the fear of cancer”.

Fairstead head teacher Daniel Farthing

For more information or to sign up for an event, please visit www.raceforlife.org .

Images: Ian Burt