OBV staff raise funds for Cancer charity

Merlene’s Story

On Sunday 24th July, I took part in my second Race for Life 5K walk in aid of Cancer Research Campaign.

As I got myself ready that morning, I started to feel quite emotional about the occasion. I hadn’t really thought about feeling emotional. I had focused on receiving my prized medal at the end of the walk.

When I arrived at Finsbury Park in North London, the atmosphere was joyous and celebratory. Women had brought their families and friends to support them all along the route.

I noticed many more young girls taking part compared to my last walk in 2009. During the amazing and fun warm-up exercises, I made friends with Marcia – a woman who over the years has lost family and friends to this devastating disease.

We spent a very pleasant hour walking and talking about our lives! The walk was a deeply satisfying achievement. Seven years ago, I had a brush with cancer.

Thankfully, it was detected early and since having the initial battery of treatments and tests, I have been all clear for a good few years! For me, taking part in this walk is a celebration of life.

There are others who are no longer with us on earth, but I feel that this is my contribution to a worthwhile cause – of which there are many. Race for life happens all over the country and is a women’s event.

If you want to give a couple of hours on a Saturday or Sunday once a year, then encourage your friends and family to sponsor you. No amount is too small, because as we all know, every little helps!

Jyoti’s Story

Last year, I’d taken part in Pink Aerobics for Breast Cancer awareness month and I knew I wanted to do something for it again.

So when I saw the Race for Life advert, I thought why not? My aunt, cousin and mum were all up for taking part with me and the conversation soon turned to whether we should dress up in pink for it!

May quickly came round and getting ready on Sunday morning I was looking forward to a fun day out. As we pulled in to Regent’s Park station, there was a flood of ladies wearing pink, all heading to in one direction.

Once we’d met up with my aunt and cousin, the four of us were unstoppable; the lively and celebratory atmosphere as we did the warm up spurred us on further.

In the end I walked it with my cousin, during which we had the opportunity to have a chat about anything and everything.

I walked 5K because everyone knows someone who’s been affected by cancer and as we started the walk we all took a moment to think about the people we know: from aunts and uncles, distant relatives and friends.

We all know people who’ve survived it and those who haven’t. At the temple once, mum got talking to a lady who had breast cancer who told us her story saying that she doesn’t mind talking about it if it makes people aware.

And that in a nutshell is why I took part in Race for Life, to raise awareness and for all those we know who’ve been affected by cancer.

That’s why there’s every chance that the four of us will be walking it again next year too.

If you want to donate then please go to www.cancerresearchuk.org

Picture: Merlene and Jyoti