This mum and son need support from people of Leeds

Liz Ellwood and son Dalton want as many Leeds folk as possible to get involved for Cancer Research UK, to help fill a massive funding shortfall caused by Covid-19.

Liz, 43, has taken part in Race for Life every year since 2009.

But the Leeds event, planned for May 31, was among 400 major fundraisers Cancer Research UK had to cancel.

The charity expects a huge £160 million drop in income in the year ahead, having lost £44 million in research funding already.

So women and men can help by completing their own Race for Life 5K in their nearest green space on Saturday, September 26.

Supporters can visit raceforlife.org and sign up free for a “Very 2020 Race for Life.”

Liz and Dalton, nine, were keen to get involved. Liz, who works for Wakefield District Housing, has lost family members and friends to cancer.

She said: “I am passionate about raising money for Cancer Research UK, so when Race for Life was cancelled there was no way I was going to miss a year.

She and Dalton have already fundraised in place of the Pretty Muddy Run they could not do this year.

“We decided on a virtual climb of Ben Nevis. To make things more interesting we decided to do it in inflatable ballerina suits,” explained Liz.

Over 14 days the pair climbed 587 flights of stairs, 42 flights per day, and raised just under £800.

Liz added: “Over the years I have been joined in the events not only by my son Dalton, but also by my mum, sister-in-law, mother-in-law, niece, many fantastic friends and even our dog Cara.

"Our aim as always was to make people smile at the same time as raising money and awareness for this incredible cause.

"We hope this year we have inspired others to sign up to this special Race for Life weekend as an alternative to the normal event.

“We are so proud of our family and friends who have supported us and proud to be part of the Race for Life community. Well done to everyone who has completed a lockdown challenge and who are signing up for the big event in September.”

Liz continued: “We had hoped to send photographs to our friend in hospital to lift his spirits but sadly he passed away the day before our challenge started. With encouragement from his wife and family we pressed on in his memory.”

To get involved, visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770. Join in and share with #Very2020RaceForLife