Portsmouth unites to get Pretty Muddy for Cancer
Thousands of men, women and children came together in the fight against cancer today at Portsmouth’s Pretty Muddy event on Southsea Common.
Waves of supporters dressed in tutus, fancy dress and pink T-shirts emerged from the 5k mud-splattered obstacle course, helping to raise over £234,000 for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving research.
Many participants proudly displayed the names of loved ones lost to the disease, those currently receiving treatment and others celebrating survival.
Among those cheering on family and friends today was mum-of-two, Lauren Lewry, 29, from Lee-on-the-Solent. Lauren said: “I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer two days before Christmas after a finding a lump while I was showering. I’m currently going through chemotherapy treatment before facing surgery in the summer. I’ve got a team of six doing Pretty Muddy for me today and I don't have the words to describe what that means to me. My goal is to do it with them next year.”
Madison Greenleaf, 13, from Waterlooville, was taking part with her mum Vicki. Vicki said: “We’re doing it for Madison’s dad who was diagnosed with rectal cancer last July. Sadly his treatment was unsuccessful and he’s now in a care home so we’ve raised around £700 to help other people in the future who may face cancer. He knows we’re doing this today for him and he’ll be really proud.”
Team ‘Dave the Brave with a Permanent Wave’ took on the challenge in memory of their dad and grandad. Explaining the team name, Dave’s daughter, Cara Hall, from the Isle of Wight said: “My dad was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma but despite having chemotherapy, he didn’t lose his hair. He was really proud of this and so we all called him ‘Dave the Brave with the permanent wave’. Sadly we lost him last August just 18 months after he was diagnosed, but we managed to celebrate his big birthday with him. Together myself and his grandchildren, Olivia, Rosie-Mae, Cameron and his wife Carla have raised £450 in his memory.”
For breast cancer survivor, Kate Brown, 45, from Milton, Pretty Muddy is one of 10 challenges she’s completing this year. Kate said: “I found out I had breast cancer at the age of 34. Initially I thought it was a cyst but then it turned out to be a really rare type of breast cancer called metaplastic carcinoma. Thankfully I’m still here today and doing what I can to support people facing cancer.”
Kate was joined by her friend Clare who lost her mum to ovarian cancer. Clare said: “When my mum was diagnosed with her cancer, she had genetic testing and we discovered she carried a faulty BRCA gene which can increase the risk of some types of cancer. I have inherited the gene too so I know how important the research is to help prevent cancer occurring and have taken preventative steps myself.”
Team ‘The Originals’, who have been friends for over 40 years, reunited on Southsea Common in tutus to take part, each having their own reason to get involved.
Pauline Wolfe said: “I’ve recently lost a work colleague and my brother-in-law but know lots of people who’ve fought and come back from cancer so I know why we must keep supporting the research.”
Team-mate, Sally Lawrence said: “I sadly lost my sister seven years ago to breast cancer and my dad to bowel cancer and skin cancer.”
Mandy Pearce from Portsmouth said: “Both my husband’s parents and my brother-in-law suffered cancer and I have two friends going through treatment now.”
Katrina Gray explained: “My friend had cancer during COVID but new research has been helping her so I know how events like this can help give people hope.”
Sarah Wills from Portsmouth said: “My dad died in 1998 from a brain tumour and I lost a good friend to breast cancer at the age of 50. I’m thinking of them today and celebrating my sister-in law and my mum who are both in remission.”
The sun shone to help dry off the mud-soaked supporters who took on tunnels, cargo nets and the final hurdle of the route - the inflatable slide - to help scientists find new ways to detect, prevent and treat more than 200 types of cancer.
Katie Stanford, 41, from Waterlooville, knows how new treatments can help buy extra time with loved ones. She said: “My grandad had prostate cancer and died in February after four years. He was able to go on a clinical trial which gave us extra time with him, something we’ll always be grateful for.”
Several large teams went all in and took on the challenge including Baffins Ultras U11 football team. Player, George Sheldon, 11, wanted to do the event for his nan and grandad, while Billy Halfpenny was taking part for his great-grandad. Together the team raised £2000.
Fitness club members from Sandown took the hovercraft from the Isle of Wight to get involved. Rosie Brooman from Newport said: “One of our club members has breast cancer and has just finished treatment so we’re thinking of her today. We’ve also teamed up with a group who are supporting children and adults with disabilities.
Mum and daughter duo, Stephanie and Mollie Turrell, from Portchester, were keen to raise money for new treatments for lung cancer. Stephanie said: “My mum, Sue, died in September 2023 just eight months after she was diagnosed. She was just 69 and despite starting treatment, her cancer was too advanced so we’re keen to raise money in her memory.”
University students Bethan, 19, Charlie, 19 and Harry, 19 paused their studies to get muddy at Race for Life for the first time. Bethan explained: “My mum has beaten cervical cancer and my grandma had life-changing surgery to beat breast cancer. Meanwhile Harry lost his grandma quite suddenly to pancreatic cancer.”
Portsmouth sisters Kate, 20 and Evie Walker, 17, took part for the first time with friend Nessa Ndebele who returned to Pretty Muddy for the second year running. Kate and Evie’s grandad had passed away from throat cancer. Meanwhile Nessa said: “I lost both my aunties, one from cervical cancer and one from leukaemia and both were fairly young so I want to do my bit to help others.”
The events are part of a bumper weekend of activities which also includes the 3k, 5k and 10k Race for Life events tomorrow, also on Southsea Common. The 10k warm-up starts at 9.45 followed by the 3k and 5k at 10.45. People can sign up on the day at the admin tent.
Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life events raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding life-saving research. The events are non competitive, so participants can walk, jog or run or get muddy at their own pace.
Now organisers are sending a heartfelt message of thanks to everyone who put their best feet forward as well as their supporters. And they’re appealing for people to make every step count by paying in sponsorship money as soon as possible.
Elisa Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in the South East, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life Portsmouth.
“Sadly nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime but all of us can support the research that will beat it. We’re proud that Race for Life has had such a positive impact. Every pound raised supports our life-saving work, which has helped double cancer survival in the UK over the last 50 years.
“Race for Life powers progress and it relies on a whole community of people coming together, united by a common purpose to beat cancer.
“Race for Life Portsmouth is such a special weekend as people come together to celebrate the lives of those dear to them who have survived cancer and to remember loved ones lost to the disease.
“Now we’re asking everyone who took part to return the money they’re raised as soon as possible. Every donation, every pound raised will make a real difference and help people live longer, better lives free from the fear of cancer.”
Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, 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 were a key player in the development of radiotherapy which now benefits millions of cancer patients worldwide.
To enter, visit raceforlife.org