Thousands invited to Shine for Cancer Research UK

CANCER Research UK’s newest fundraising event opens for entries on Monday 19th October 2009 with thousands of people invited to Shine at the charity’s first night-time walking marathon to raise money to help fund vital research into cancer.

Set to take place on the night of 17 April 2010, Shine will see the city of Manchester illuminated as 5,000 people take to the streets in an inspirational procession of light, passing Old Trafford, Manchester Town Hall and The Paterson Institute for Cancer Research.

Not only is Shine the first event of its kind for the charity, it also gives participants the opportunity to choose which type of cancer research they would like to direct their fundraising efforts. There are 12 different research areas including breast, lung, and prostate, as well as an option to fundraise for research into all types of cancer, allowing walkers to fundraise for a cancer which has touched them.

Every walker will be given a back sign, coloured to represent the cancer they are fundraising for, where messages in memory and celebration of loved ones who have been affected by cancer can be written as well as hopes for the future.

SHINE is open to all men and women aged over 16 and entrants can choose to walk either a 26 or 13 mile route when they sign up online at www.cancerresearchuk.org/shine.

Clive Sanders, Senior Events Manager at Cancer Research UK said: “The commitment of thousands to walk a marathon and light up the night at Shine is symbolic of the effort, dedication and progress of Cancer Research UK and our supporters in bringing light to those affected by cancer.

“With one in three of us diagnosed with cancer at some point in our lives the road is travelled by many, yet everyone’s cancer journey is unique to them, whether they are affected directly or through family and friends. While Shine is one event for thousands of people, participants can choose the length of their route and which cancer to fundraise for so that their Shine experience can be unique to them.”

Cancer Research UK is the largest funder of research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer in the UK, with over 4,500 nurses, scientists and doctors working together to beat the disease. The charity relies on fundraising and donations to support its life-saving work, which has seen cancer survival rates double in the past thirty years.

Clive Sanders added: “We’re incredibly excited about our new fundraising venture and hope that our supporters will embrace Shine with as much enthusiasm as they have our other fundraising events such as Race for Life and Run 10k. We would encourage everyone to enter and pledge to raise as much money as possible for vital research into cancer.”

A walking marathon or half-marathon requires dedication. The Shine website contains advice and tips on training for the event and how to maximise fundraising. To enter now or for more information on Shine log on to www.cancerresearchuk.org/shine

ENDS