Monday 9 June 2014

Race For Life - Re-posted

Racing for Life

Two years ago, following Vicky's death from an aggressive and unforgiving form of skin cancer, a group of friends and colleagues formed 'Team Vicky' to take part in the Race For Life in her memory. I was out of the country for the 2013 race, however, I was delighted to be able to attend this years event and witness the truly inspirational actions of so many women who have been affected by this disease. I was going to write another blog, but, having read my entry from two years ago, realised that there was little more to say. So, I decided to re-publish my words from then.  Thank you for reading.

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For a variety of reason, this has been one of the hardest Blogs to write so far!


Last Sunday (10th June) was a very significant day for me, not least because it was the day of the Winchester "Race For Life" - an annual women only 5k event, organised by Cancer Research UK, held in many towns and cities around the country throughout the summer. 

The first Race for Life was held in 1994. Vicky had been taking part in these runs since 1997 in memory of and in celebration of the many people that we knew who had either died from, were living with or had survived their cancer.  This year Vicky's friends and colleagues from Winchester and Hampshire County Council ran, or walked, as "Team Vicky" in memory of the person they loved and respected.

Having supported Vicky and spectated at the many "Race For Life"'s that she took part in, I have always been in awe at the whole event. Not only the sight of so many women united in a single cause - age, race, colour, size and shape being no barrier to being a part of this - but the attitude and vibrancy of the occasion.  The feeling of positivity that transfers from the participants to the spectators; the wonderful smiling faces, the looks of trepidation from the newcomers and first timers and the steely determination of the runners wanting to make their mark by coming in first or achieving a personal best in the name of someone they love or in celebration of overcoming their own challenges. For all of this happiness and party atmosphere, there is always a tinge of sadness as every women's back carries their story of loss, suffering, trauma and tribulation.  

Last sunday was no different! I had thought about whether I should attend and whether I would be able to handle the emotions associated with the race. It wasn't a long thought as I so much wanted to be a part of something that had meant and still means so much to me. And, I wanted to show my support and thanks to "Team Vicky", who between them have raised over £2300 for Cancer Research UK by taking part.

When Inca and I arrived, I had intended to take an anonymous stroll through the site to just take in the 'vibe'. However, from the moment I got out of the car, I kept meeting friends or seeing Vicky's face on a t-shirt in front of me. It was bizarre as some of the people wearing the "Team Vicky" shirts were unknown to me, having been work colleagues of Vic's - although, on introduction, I knew surprisingly more about them than might have been thought, as Vicky often talked about her work and the people she worked with.

I had taken my camera and so was able to hide behind the lens for much of the time.  Even so, it was lovely to see so many people turning out, not just to run the Race and raise money for Cancer Research, but to be doing so in Vicky's name. As well as the 'strangers' I was also pleased to meet old friends, some of whom were running, some there as spectators and supporters. As all of the participants went off to join the warm up routine, I took a walk around to take some photos and find myself a good position to see and photograph the start and finish.  I found the perfect spot, facing the start line - which would also be the finishing line.

Over 1600 runners and walkers were corralled into the starting grid, ready for the race to begin and, on the sound of the starting claxon, they were off.  First, the more competitive runners, setting a good pace, followed by other runners and joggers and tailed by the walkers, they filed past. A tsunami of the pink, the fluffy and the lacey! Many of the participants were in running gear and Race For Life t-shirts.  However, there was a notable turnout of fancy dress, tutus, strange and glittery headwear and colourful clothing. Some runners chose to take part in more bizarre ways, there were at least two sets of three legged racers and a five legged team. 

Trying to spot people I knew as they went past the starting line was difficult. Getting pictures was almost impossible! So for the most part, I watched, cheered and applauded as the race got underway. It took about 10 minutes for the last walkers to get past the starting point - at which time it became the finishing line - so now was the wait to see who would be first back. It took just 21 minutes and 4 seconds for the first runner to return. A 12 year old who had also been first at last year's run. One of "Team Vicky"'s runners was the fifth to cross the line about 2 minutes later and then, gradually more and more runners arrived to complete their race.  

Exhausted but happy, they were applauded and cheered as they returned.  Some ran across the line hand in hand with a friend or fellow runner, some sprinted for the finish either to hit a time mark or simply to finish in style, many raised their arms in victory and one team crawled across the finish line on their hands and knees. All had the biggest, happiest smiles on their faces - even the poor woman who was physically sick after crossing the line - however exhausted or out of breath they were.

As, eventually, all of "Team Vicky" made it back across the finishing line, we congregated to congratulate and compare notes. I shared a glass of celebratory champagne and had more hugs from women in lycra than was good for me - but, I'm not complaining! Eventually, as the rain started to cool the ardor, everyone began to disperse. Inca and I made our way off to spend the rest of the day by ourselves, for, as well as being the Race For Life, June 10th would also have been the 32nd anniversary of when Vicky and I began seeing each other and the 23rd since our wedding.

For some, this will have been the first time that they have run or walked a Race For Life.  For others, this may have been one of many and, in both cases, there will be many more to come. Sadly, for too many, they have already run their last Race For Life. 


So, this blog is in tribute and thanks to everyone who took part in, supported, volunteered, contributed and sponsored to the 2012 Winchester Race For Life and every Race For Life that has taken place and will take place. 



Don't whisper! Shout about it and pass it on! Together we WILL beat cancer!