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  3. Cambridge cancer specialist to Race for…

Institute researcher and oncologist, Dr Sara Lightowlers, is combining PhD study, looking after her two young children, and fitness as she prepares to take part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.

Dr Sara Lightowlers, a researcher in the Carroll Group, straps in Saffia, three, and Samir, one, to a running buggy every weekday morning.

She runs them from home, off Mill Road, to nursery, then continues to the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute.

Currently taking time out from clinical practice, Sara is working towards a PhD trying to understand the biological basis of response to breast cancer radiotherapy.

Sara will be joining other researchers and supporters of the charity on the start line of Race for Life at Jesus Green on Sunday, 3 July.

Women, men and children can visit raceforlife.org to enter either a 5k or 10k.

Every year around 37,300 people are diagnosed with cancer in the East of England and one in two people in the UK born after 1960 will get cancer in their lifetime.  Money raised at Race for Life enables scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer - helping to save more lives.

Sara will be doing 5k with Saffia and Samir in the running buggy and hopes her work in Cambridge can help inspire more people to raise funds.

She said: “I’ve seen from my clinical work that some of the research funded by Cancer Research UK translates into important things that help people with cancer.

“For some patients, we’re giving them treatment that’s going to cure their cancer, a hopeful and inspiring thing to be doing.

“For those with incurable cancer, it’s really important to look after and help them live longer and better, making their lives meaningful and purposeful.

“Any money we raise via Race for Life will make a difference to people’s lives today and for future generations.”

Sara is a proud supporter of Race for Life, having first done the Cambridge event 10 years ago.

“It’s a really friendly, relaxed environment, a good bonding experience and a lot of fun.”

She receives funding through a clinical research fellowship from the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring series of events that raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.

Michael Jarvis, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in the East of England, said: “We’re grateful to Sara and, of course, Saffia and Samir, for their support.

“Sadly, cancer affects all of us in some way. Whether people are living with cancer, taking part in honour of or in memory of a loved one with cancer, or signing up to protect their own children’s future, everyone has a reason to Race for Life. So, we’re asking people across the region: “Who will you Race for?”

“The events are open to all. For some people the Race for Life is literally a walk in the park. Slow and steady still wins. For others it’s a jog. Others may opt to push themselves harder, taking up the challenge of the 10k distance and even pushing for a new personal best time.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming people of all ages and abilities. Race for Life Cambridge will be fun, emotional, colourful, uplifting and an unforgettable event this year.”

Race for Life events across the UK will follow current government guidance to protect against COVID-19. Hand sanitiser will be provided.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, raises funds for world-class research to help beat 200 types of cancer – including bowel cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, testicular cancer, brain cancer, children’s cancers and leukaemia.

Oonagh Turnbull, Head of Health Campaigns at Tesco, said: “This will be our 21st year in partnership with Cancer Research UK and Race for Life, and we hope this year can be the biggest yet.”

To enter, visit raceforlife.org