Coronavirus: Cancer Research UK launches Race for Life at home

Cancer Research UK has launched Race for Life at home, an alternative to the charity's popular fundraising events.

The new initiative will encourage people to fundraise for the charity from the safety of their own home amid lockdown restrictions, which have led to Race for Life events being postponed until the autumn.

The at-home version of the popular events will ask people to race in 'their own way', raising money for the charity by using the hashtag #RaceForLifeAtHome.

Once participants have signed up, they will be invited to get involved joining Facebook Live events, which will be led by a variety of hosts; creating their own challenge in their living room; or going for a solo walk, jog or run.

The campaign will appear across social media.

“We’ve made the difficult decision to postpone our Race for Life events until later in the year, and this will inevitably have an impact on Cancer Research UK’s ability to carry out life-saving research. While many of us may feel our lives have been put on hold, cancer hasn’t stopped, and people affected by cancer need our support more than ever," CRUK head of Race for Life, Sarah Pickersgill said.

“We wanted to do something to bring our fantastic community together and thank them for their ongoing patience and commitment, which is why we’re very excited to launch Race for Life at Home! Everyone who signs up can get creative and take part in whatever way they want.

"There is no challenge too great or small when it comes to Race for Life at Home. Whatever you do just remember to join in, have fun, stay safe and share your experience with the community online. There’s also an option to donate if you wish. We may be apart but we’re still in this together.”

The announcement comes after CRUK announced plans to furlough up to 1,800 of its 4,000 employees using the government’s scheme after the charity was forced to cancel events and close its shops.

The charity has around 600 shops across the UK, which have all been closed until further notice.

The charity’s chief executive, Michelle Mitchell said the charity expects its fundraising income to drop 25% in the coming months.

“While many things are still uncertain, it is clear that Cancer Research UK will be hit hard. We’ve worked quickly to understand how COVID-19 will impact our income, and therefore our ability to continue funding our life-saving work," she said.