Newcastle sport unites for 2015 Children’s Cancer Run launch
Stars from the Newcastle Falcons and the Newcastle Thunder united this afternoon to officially launch the countdown to the 2015 Children’s Cancer Run.
A host of Newcastle Falcons stars as well as Newcastle Thunder’s Jason Teli were on hand to launch the run and to officially open postal and online applications for what is one of Europe’s biggest family fun runs. This year the run takes place at Newcastle Racecourse in Gosforth Park on 17th May 2015.
Celebrating its 33rd anniversary this year, the Childrens Cancer Run has already raised an incredible £6.5million, with all proceeds going to the North of England Children’s Cancer Research. Organisers are hoping that last year’s amazing £165,000 donation will be exceeded this year. The cancer research primarily takes place at the Sir James Spence Institute and Northern Institute of Cancer Research in Newcastle at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI).
Newcastle Falcons and former Scottish International Mike Blair:
“It is a great honour connected to the Children’s Cancer Run. It is an event that makes a real difference to the lives of so many people, not only in Newcastle and the North East but beyond. Without the vital funds raised through the run the current level of cancer research could not be undertaken. It’s great to see the North East sporting clubs pull together to launch the event in what is a special year for North East sport, with the Children’s Cancer Run at the heart of the event.
I would encourage anyone who can take part in the run to do so, its such a special family event that enables such amazing cancer research to happen.”
This years run will link up with the regions two premier Rugby sides, Newcastle Falcons and Newcastle Thunder. Kingston Park hosts the Falcons Legends game ahead of the World Cup in October and Newcastle Thunder face York on City Knights following the run on 31st May.
Chris Peacock, Chairman of the North of England Children’s Cancer Research Fund (NECCR)
“Its wonderful to welcome along the Newcastle Falcons and Newcastle Thunder players to help officially launch the 2015 Children’s Cancer Run.
The Cancer Run is such a tremendous family event to be part of, especially for those families who have experienced cancer. Every year blown away by the support we all receive.
When I was diagnosed with cancer, in 1982 at the age of four I was given just a 30% chance of survival and a child with the same diagnosis today now has an over 80% chance of survival. Many of these leaps and bounds have come from research undertaken at the Sir James Spence institute, which will with the help of supporters continue to find more treatments and one day, we hope, a cure.”
Professor Josef Vormoor, Director of NICR and Sir James Spence Professor of Child Health:
“Over the 33 years the Children’s Cancer Run has taken place we have received funding that has been invaluable in our research into the treatment of Cancer in children. We have made real strides in not only the quality of treatment but the survival rates among children. I would urge the people of the North East to join us at this fantastic event and help us continue our research.”
Chief Executive of Greggs Roger Whiteside was also in attendance:
“We at Greggs are all very proud of our association with the Children’s Cancer Run and are all looking forward to this years event. This is a truly worthwhile cause and raise vital funds in the fight against children’s cancer.”
The Children’s Cancer Run will be held at Newcastle Racecourse on Sunday 17th May 2015 and is open to all. There is a five-mile cross country run and a one-mile event for under sevens. New for 2015 there is also a three mile run. Entry is only £12 or £6 for under sevens. For more information or to book places online go to www.childrenscancerrun.co.uk
