Elan Clayton and his ten year old son Kurtis got Wolverhampton’s Race for Life off to a roaring start when they sounded the claxon to kick off the event on Sunday, May 18.
But with more than ten Race for Life and Pretty Muddy events yet to take place across the region, the pair are calling on others to sign up to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK.
Elan was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in November 2023 and told his future was far from certain. The cancer had spread to his liver and he needed major surgery and chemotherapy.
After spending much of last year in hospital, he’s now back on his feet and hoping to return to work as a chef.
“Without research I might not be here,” said Elan who was treated with a drug that Cancer Research UK scientists helped develop.
“That’s why it’s vitally important for people to support events like Race for Life.
“We had a fantastic time at Wolverhampton, and it was great to see everyone from young babies to people in their 80s take part. I’d definitely encourage anyone who can to sign up for an event. It doesn’t matter how fit you are, anyone can take part.”
The next 5k and 10k events will take place on May 25 at Telford Town Park while further races – including several mud splattered ‘Pretty Muddy’ events - will be held in Sandwell, Dudley, Birmingham, Worcester, Redditch and Solihull between now and July 12.
Kurtis raised an incredible £3,000 when he took part in last year’s Sandwell Pretty Muddy and the pair are planning to attend the event again to support friends on Saturday, June 21.
Kurtis, who has just celebrated his 10th birthday, said: “It was really important because it was for my dad. I did it because he was struggling so I wanted to help him in some way. My mum showed me the website to sign up so I did it and and I was really proud of myself.”
Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, funding 30 years of hope and progress.
Cancer Research UK funded scientists led the development of the Human Papillomavirus Virus vaccine, which is expected to prevent almost 90 per cent of cervical cancers in the UK.
The charity is now funding trailblazing new ways to detect bowel cancer earlier with cutting edge technology - from using AI to develop a blood test to detect the disease early, to designing a robotic pill which can take images and collect samples of potentially cancerous cells for testing.
Paula Young, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in the West Midlands, said: “It was brilliant to see Elan and Kurtis at the start line this year knowing everything Elan has been through. His story shows that no matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for. Kurtis is an absolute superstar, so we were delighted to have them both as VIPs for the day.
“We’d also like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has turned up to volunteer, take part and raise funds so far. Race for Life has already helped double survival rates in the UK so every penny raised truly does make a difference.”
To enter, visit raceforlife.org
