Wrexham Race for Life

Nicola Thompson will feature on the giant Race for Life (RFL) wall to encourage people in the town to sign up for this year’s Race for Life and Pretty Muddy events on May 18.

Her personal story and motivation behind their participation in Race for Life will be displayed on a giant back sign at the venue – like the signs worn by participants on their backs and a key element of both the events and this year’s campaign.

The wall is designed to mirror the hugely emotional reflection area set up on event day, where participants come together to remember loved ones lost to cancer, celebrate the lives of those dear to them who have survived or support those going through treatment.

Nicola will also feature in a social media campaign with posts on the Cancer Research UK’s North West Events Twitter account (@CRUKEventsNW).

She said: “My nanna, grandad and godmother have all suffered with cancer, as well as numerous family and friends. I have also had several skins samples taken which, fortunately, have been either clear or pre-cancerous.”

Nicola added: “This year is my 12th Race for Life and the last two years I have chosen to do the Pretty Muddy option. I even RFL’d when I was 36 weeks pregnant.

"I love the sense of togetherness and support: although we might have different reasons for being there, we all want to the same outcome – to beat cancer. I also love reading all the back signs, even though they quite often make me cry.”

"You won’t ever regret it. It’s an amazing feeling to know that you are participating to help change lives for millions of people”

Kirsti, Cancer Research UK’s Wrexham event manager, said: “We’re very grateful to Nicola for her support with this campaign. By following her lead and joining the Race for Life or Pretty Muddy in Wrexham, people can make a real difference in the fight against cancer.”

“Our Race for Life events are fun, colourful, emotional and uplifting. You don’t need to be sporty to take part. You don’t have to train, and you certainly don’t need to compete against anyone else. It’s a perfect example of everyday people doing an extraordinary thing – uniting in a common cause to beat cancer.”

Kirsti added: “We encourage our participants to help raise money in whatever way they like – there are lots of ideas on the Race for Life website.”

One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives, but the good news is more people are surviving the disease now than ever before. Cancer survival in the UK has doubled since the early 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring series of 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.

This year, for the first time, Cancer Research UK is inviting everyone – women, men and children – to join the Race for Life.

To join Race for Life today visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.