On Air Now

Your Harrogate Radio

10:00pm - 6:30am

Now Playing

Nelly Furtado

Maneater

Supporters walk 33,000 miles and raise £55,000 for Yorkshire Cancer Research

The 'We Walk For Yorkshire' campaign in May

'We Walk for Yorkshire' campaign has raised £55,000 for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

500 people took part throughout May and had a combined walking total of 33,000 miles, to show their support for people with cancer and help raise vital funds for cancer research.

The campaign encouraged people to get outdoors and enjoy being active, while also raising awareness of the important role exercise plays in cancer prevention and treatment.

The charity set a total distance target of 31,000 miles to represent the staggering number of people diagnosed with cancer each year in the region.

Allyson, from East Yorkshire, who has been diagnosed with cancer twice, set herself the challenge of walking the distance of a marathon each week. 

She said:

“I think being able to ‘Walk for Yorkshire’ is a fantastic thing, and as a proud Yorkshire woman I want to be involved and raise awareness of how the charity’s work is making a difference to people in the region.

“Since my diagnosis, while some days have been really tough, I’ve found that walking is important for my mental and physical health. I walk whatever the weather – rain, wind, snow, I’ve got to be out there for my own wellbeing.”

Allyson completed her challenge by walking 120 miles throughout May, and raised more than £300, far surpassing her fundraising goal of £100.

Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said:

“It has been wonderful to see the photos and videos of people taking part and enjoying everything our beautiful region has to offer. The amount raised throughout May will help fund vital cancer research and services for people in Yorkshire.”

60 employees and volunteers from the team also set on a walk for the campaign.

The team was joined by people taking part in the Active Together programme, a service that offers tailored exercise, nutrition and psychological support, after a cancer diagnosis.

Funds raised as part of "We Walk for Yorkshire" will help continue to fund pioneering research and services like Active Together.

To find out more about Yorkshire Cancer Research, visit their website here.

More from Local News